Logo 30 Mar 2026

China detaining Panama-flagged ships in escalating dispute

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A conflict over a key maritime chokepoint looks set to get worse.

(No, not that one...)

Since early March, China has carried out nearly 70 port state control (PSC) detentions of Panama-flagged ships.

PSC detentions mean vessels are held for inspection. If major issues are found, authorities can d...