Panama and China have agreed to renew the maritime treaty, offering preferential rates to Panamanian ships, after strict controls imposed by China.

Panama and China have reached a consensus following negotiations in Beijing, renewing the maritime treaty that expires this year. This treaty offers preferential tariffs and simplified administrative procedures for ships under the Panamanian flag in Chinese ports. This decision comes in the context of Panama's complaints regarding stricter controls on its ships, imposed by China after the cancellation of a concession held by a Hong Kong company that operated two ports in the Panama Canal. In 2026, nearly 500 Panamanian ships were held for inspection, but interim Foreign Minister Carlos Hoyos announced that these figures have now returned to historical levels. The strict controls were intensified following a court ruling in Panama that annulled the contract with Panama Ports Company. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump attempted to assert U.S. control over the canal, although it is managed by an autonomous Panamanian institution.