China News Service, Hong Kong, February 24 – The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Algernon Yau, on February 24 lodged a stern protest with the Consul General of Panama in Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition to the Panamanian government's forcible takeover of two Panamanian ports operated by Hutchison Ports Panama and the revocation of its operating rights, which undermines the spirit of the contract. The HKSAR Government emphasized its firm support for and protection of the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong enterprises overseas.

A spokesperson for the HKSAR Government reiterated that the earlier ruling by Panama's Supreme Court declaring the operation of the two Panamanian ports unconstitutional was completely baseless and a breach of trust. The company involved has already initiated arbitration proceedings, but on February 23, the Panamanian government forcibly took over the two ports, severely infringing on the legitimate rights of Hong Kong enterprises and violating the spirit of the contract. The HKSAR Government condemns this crude action.

CK Hutchison Holdings Limited (referred to as "CK Hutchison") stated that on February 23, 2026, local time, the Panamanian government forcibly entered the Balboa Port and Cristobal Port container terminals operated by Hutchison Ports Panama. The government took administrative and operational control of the two container terminals and prohibited representatives of Hutchison Ports Panama from entering the terminals.

CK Hutchison expressed its opposition to the Panamanian government's forcible takeover of the assets, employees, and operations of Hutchison Ports Panama. Such actions represent the culmination of a series of measures taken by the Panamanian government over the past year against Hutchison Ports Panama and its concession agreement, effectively forcing the company to cease operations. Hutchison Ports Panama and CK Hutchison will continue to consult legal advisors regarding the relevant rulings, the forcible takeover of the ports, and the forced termination of the company's concession rights. They will explore feasible options and reserve the right to pursue legal action against the relevant parties. (End)