China rejects US, Panamanian claims of ‘weaponising’ ship inspections

China on Monday reiterated its inspections of Panama-flagged ships as routine safety checks, rejecting US and Panamanian accusations that Beijing is weaponising shipping lines for geopolitical leverage. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian defended the measures as lawful and aimed at protecting navigation and the marine environment. “At present, port-state control inspections are an important measure for countries to manage the safety of foreign vessels calling at their ports and to…