China has warned Panama there would be “heavy prices” to pay after a court ruling declared Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s contract to operate two ports at the Panama Canal was unconstitutional, reports Reuters.
China’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office called the ruling by Panama’s Supreme Court “absurd,” “shameful and pathetic,” and vowed to defend the interests of Chinese firms.
“China has sufficient means and tools, and sufficient strength and ability to defend a fair and just international economic and trade order,” the office said. If the Panamanian authorities “insist on having their own way… heavy prices both politically and economically will surely be paid!” it added.