Chinese envoy refutes U.S. accusations over Panama Canal issue

A Chinese envoy refuted the U.S.'s unreasonable accusations against China over the Panama Canal issue during a high-level open debate on maritime security held by the United Nations.

In recent days, the U.S. delegation has repeatedly used various issues at the UN Security Council to make unfounded accusations and smear China, to which China firmly objects, China's permanent representative to the UN, Fu Cong, said Monday local time.

China has always respected Panama's sovereignty over the canal and recognizes the Panama Canal's status as a permanently neutral international waterway. The U.S.'s fabrication of lies and groundless attacks against China are nothing more than an excuse to justify its own bid to control the Panama Canal. China resolutely opposes economic coercion and bullying and urges the U.S. to stop spreading rumors and creating trouble, Fu said.

Fu pointed out that the U.S. is the biggest disruptor of peace and stability in the South China Sea. The U.S. has deployed offensive weapons in the region, including ground-based intermediate-range missiles, and has frequently sent large-scale naval and air forces to the South China Sea for military reconnaissance and exercises.

By flexing its muscles and acting recklessly near other countries' borders, Washington aims only to stir up trouble in the South China Sea to serve its own geopolitical interests, Fu said.

U.S. hegemony, Cold War mentality and unilateral actions are rapidly heightening global maritime security risks. The U.S. has yet to join the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and refuses to fulfill its related obligations. It disregards international law and warnings from the International Seabed Authority by unilaterally deciding to exploit international seabed resources and seize what is considered the common heritage of humankind, the envoy said.

Moreover, it openly threatens the normal operations of the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal, blatantly challenges other countries' sovereignty, pan-securitizes maritime affairs, obstructs the construction of maritime infrastructure, and undermines the stability of industrial and supply chains. China urges the U.S. to engage in serious self-reflection and genuinely shoulder the responsibilities that a major power should bear, Fu concluded.