China rejects US, Panamanian claims of ‘weaponising’ ship inspections

China has defended its inspections of Panama-flagged ships as routine safety checks, rejecting US and Panamanian accusations that it is weaponising shipping lines for geopolitical leverage. In Beijing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the measures were lawful and aimed at protecting navigation and the marine environment. “At present, port-state control inspections are an important measure for countries to manage the safety of foreign vessels calling at their ports and...