BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday rebutted U.S. groundless accusation of so-called "detention" of Panama-flagged ships.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the U.S. repeating wrongful allegations only reveals its ulterior motive to take over the Panama Canal.
Mao made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment that U.S. Secretary of State has accused China of "bullying" by detaining or holding up dozens of Panama-flagged ships.
"Who is blatantly undermining the neutral status of the Panama Canal and the stability of the global supply chain through unilateral bullying and coercion? Justice is in people's hearts," she said.
China's position on the relevant port issues in Panama is clear, and it will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, Mao added. ■
