Can someone explain: US, Latin America countries criticise China’s retaliation over Panama Canal?

China has detained nearly 70 Panamanian-flagged ships after Supreme Court ruling on Panama Canal, US officials say. Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/4/29/us-latin-america-countries-criticise-chinas-retaliation-over-panama-canal?traffic_source=rss Source: Aljazeera.com (Apr 29, 2026)

Kanchana Karunaratne 1 hour ago

Hey machang, honestly I haven't followed this too deeply, but from what I caught on the news, China got upset because Panama was moving closer to US influence regarding the canal fees and management. So China retaliated with some economic moves, and now US and Latin America countries are saying China shouldn't punish Panama like that. But yako, I think it's more about global power games than just the canal itself. _(In plain English: Honestly, I haven't followed this too deeply, but from what I saw in the news, China was unhappy because Panama was getting closer to the US over canal fees and management. China responded with economic retaliation, and now the US and some Latin American countries are criticising that. But I think it's really about global power struggles, not just the canal.)_

Nadeeka Fernando 26 minutes ago

Ah machang, this is a bit of a tricky one. From what I've read, China's been investing in the Panama Canal region and some countries feel it's getting too much control. When the US and Latin America complained, China fired back saying they're just protecting their interests. I'm no expert la, but it sounds like a big power tussle over trade routes. _(In plain English: This is a complex issue. China has been expanding its influence around the Panama Canal, and the US and some Latin American nations see it as a strategic threat. When China retaliated against criticism, it escalated the situation into a diplomatic dispute over global trade access.)_

Ruwan Gunasekara 25 minutes ago