China summons Maersk, MSC on ‘shipping operations’ amid Panama saga, Iran war shock

Beijing gave no reason for order – but both firms at centre of dispute after Panama ruled against CK Hutchison’s operation of two ports

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The main entrance of the port of Balboa in Panama City, taken on February 12. Panama Ports Company (PPC), a subsidiary of Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings, is seeking US$2 billion in damages from the Panamanian government over what it described as the “illegal takeover” of the operations of two ports at either end of the strategic canal. Photo: AFP

Published: 3:00pm, 10 Mar 2026Updated: 3:11pm, 10 Mar 2026

China’s Ministry of Transport has summoned two maritime giants – Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) – for talks on “international shipping operations” amid legal disputes over the Panama Canal, a vital artery for global trade.

No further details were provided in the one-sentence statement, which was posted on the ministry’s website on Tuesday. But in China, government summons often serve as a warning and, if ignored, could lead to further action.

The move came as mounting geopolitical shocks – from Panama to the US-Israeli war with Iran – have severely affected shipping firms and port operators.

In late February, Panamanian authorities handed temporary control of two ports – previously run by CK Hutchison’s Panama Ports Company (PPC) – to Maersk’s APM Terminals and MSC’s Terminal Investment, respectively. The decision followed a court ruling that voided CK Hutchison’s long-term port concession, granted in the 1990s, as “unconstitutional”.

CK Hutchison, the Hong Kong-based conglomerate, has launched legal proceedings against the Panamanian government over the seizure of the two ports – Balboa and Cristobal – calling the takeovers “illegal”, according to a statement issued on Friday.

PPC has also filed for international arbitration against the government under International Chamber of Commerce rules, seeking at least US$2 billion in damages, the statement said.

Following the takeover, Beijing said it would resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises.

China summons Maersk, MSC on ‘shipping operations’ amid Panama saga, Iran war shock

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Beijing gave no reason for order – but both firms at centre of dispute after Panama ruled against CK Hutchison’s operation of two ports

Beijing gave no reason for order – but both firms at centre of dispute after Panama ruled against CK Hutchison’s operation of two ports