Beijing: China on Friday pledged to safeguard a Hong Kong-based company following Panama's Supreme Court decision that deemed key port contracts held by CK Hutchison unconstitutional. Beijing has acknowledged the ruling, and CK Hutchison has released a statement arguing that the decision contradicts Panamanian law, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun reported to the press.

According to Anadolu Agency, Guo stated, "China will take all necessary actions to protect the rights of Chinese companies," emphasizing that CK Hutchison will consider all options, including legal measures. On Thursday, Panama's Supreme Court determined that the license terms granted to CK Hutchison to manage two pivotal ports at the Panama Canal's entry points were unconstitutional.

The high court's brief statement highlighted that the agreements allowing CK Hutchison to operate the Balboa port on the Pacific and the Cristobal port on the Atlantic were in violation of the country's constitution. This decision follows concerns raised by US President Donald Trump about Chinese-linked infrastructure near the canal, which he described as a potential security risk for the United States.

The Supreme Court's ruling may necessitate a review of port concessions and alter the influence dynamics over one of the globe's most crucial maritime passages. This development places Panama amidst intensifying geopolitical tensions between the US and China, where control over significant infrastructure is becoming increasingly strategic.

In response to President Trump's comments on UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's visit to China, labeled as "very dangerous" for UK-China business relations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed China's readiness to bolster cooperation with other nations in mutually beneficial ways.