Rubio warns China after Panama ship detentions, calls hemisphere sovereignty 'non-negotiable'

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned China's detention of Panama-flagged ships, framing it as an infringement on regional sovereignty and part of a broader strategic contest over global trade control. The dispute follows Panama's 2026 court ruling challenging Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison's control of canal terminals, with U.S. officials alleging China's detentions aim to retaliate against Panama. Analyst Gordon Chang linked China's actions to a pattern of using economic leverage and proxies like Iran to expand influence.