U.S., allies release joint statement supporting Panama's sovereignty

The United States, Bolivia, Costa Rica, ​Guyana, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago ‌released a joint statement in support ​of Panama’s sovereignty on ⁠Tuesday (April 28, 2026), saying recent actions by China are an attempt to politicize maritime trade and infringe ‌on the sovereignty of nations in the hemisphere.

“We are monitoring ‌with vigilance China’s targeted economic pressure ‌and ⁠the recent actions that have ⁠affected Panama-flagged vessels,” the statement said. “Panama is a pillar of our maritime trading system, and ​as such must ‌remain free from any undue external pressure.”