China refutes US accusations of seizing Panamanian ships, calling them baseless and fabricated.

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio accused China of harassing and detaining ships flying the Panamanian flag. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning, in a regular press conference response, said that the U.S.’s remarks were completely baseless and twisted the facts. The U.S. keeps talking nonsense, which can only expose its scheme to occupy the canal.

Mao Ning said it is clear who openly undermines the neutrality of the Panama Canal and the stability of global supply chains through unilateral bullying and coercion; justice is in the hearts of the people. China’s position on the port-related issue in Panama is clear, and it will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

Regarding the fact that, earlier, the United States returned to China for transfer custody a fugitive involved in a drug-related case—marking the first such instance in recent years—Mao Ning said that China and the United States, guided by the spirit of equality, respect, and mutual benefit, have maintained communication and cooperation in areas such as counter-narcotics law enforcement.

When asked about the U.S. military airstrike that destroyed a civilian bridge in Iran, using it to pressure Iran to return to the negotiating table, Mao Ning said that the U.S. and Israel’s military actions against Iran, without authorization by the UN Security Council, violate international law. China opposes strikes on civilian infrastructure. The relevant parties should immediately cease fire, return to a political and diplomatic track for resolution, and avoid a larger humanitarian disaster.