Buenos Aires, April 3 (NA) – China denied on Friday the United States' accusations of the alleged 'detention' of ships under the Panamanian flag, according to a Xinhua cable accessed by the Argentine News Agency. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, stated that 'the fact that the United States repeats unfounded accusations only reveals its hidden intention to take control of the Panama Canal.' Mao made these statements during a regular press conference when asked to comment on reports that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had accused China of 'harassment' for detaining or holding dozens of ships under the Panamanian flag. 'Who is blatantly undermining the neutrality of the Panama Canal and the stability of the global supply chain through intimidation and unilateral coercion? Justice resides in the hearts of the people,' the spokesperson emphasized. China has a clear position on the relevant port matters in Panama, and will firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests, she added.
