China has detained nearly 70 ships under the Panamanian flag in response to a decision by the Supreme Court of Panama, provoking international reactions.

China detained nearly 70 ships under the Panamanian flag in March, in response to a decision by the Supreme Court of Panama that annulled the contracts of a subsidiary of the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison for the management of the Balboa and Cristobal port terminals. This action has been considered by six countries in the Americas, including the United States, as economic pressure exerted on Panama, following a legal dispute. American officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have expressed concerns about China's attempts to undermine Panama's sovereignty. China has also accused the U.S. of intimidation in Latin America and labeled the decision of the Panamanian Supreme Court as "absurd." This conflict highlights the vulnerability of maritime transport in international politics, and experts suggest that ships could become pawns in global power games.