U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio [Reuters=Yonhap News]

The U.S. Trump administration criticized China's detention of Panamanian-flagged vessels on the 2nd (local time) and expressed its support for Panama.

The U.S. State Department issued a statement in the name of Secretary Marco Rubio on the same day, stating, "China's recent actions against Panamanian vessels raise serious concerns that economic means are being used to undermine the rule of law in Panama, a sovereign nation and a key partner in global trade."

It added, "The detention and delay of vessels, or actions that otherwise impede their movement, undermine the stability of global supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and erode confidence in the international trading system."

The U.S. stated, "The United States stands firmly with Panama and looks forward to expanding economic and security cooperation with this important partner."

This statement comes amid ongoing tensions between the United States and China over the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal is an approximately 80-kilometer-long vital trade route that handles 5% of global maritime trade.

Since his re-election early last year, President Donald Trump has been taking steps to block China's influence over the Panama Canal.

In particular, he pressured the Panamanian government to revoke the port operating rights of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison in the Panama Canal, citing security concerns related to its ties with China.

Subsequently, in January, the Supreme Court of Panama invalidated the port operating rights for the Balboa and Cristóbal ports in the Panama Canal held by CK Hutchison Holdings.

In response, China protested by summoning officials of the global shipping company that temporarily took over the port operating rights and has continued to exert pressure by strengthening inspection of Panamanian-flagged vessels calling at Chinese ports, leading to the detention of numerous ships.

On the same day, the U.S. Department of State positively evaluated the prior ruling by the Supreme Court of Panama, stating that it "demonstrates that private operators are held accountable to the public interest" and "underscores Panama's reliability as a partner for international investment and business opportunities."