China has demanded that Maersk and MSC cease operating ports on the Panama Canal, escalating tensions over control of this critical trade route. The European shipping giants were told to withdraw immediately from the Balboa and Cristóbal ports after taking over from CK Hutchison, whose concession was ruled unconstitutional by Panama's top court.

This confrontation follows CK Hutchison's $23 billion deal to sell its non-Chinese port operations to a consortium led by BlackRock and MSC. Beijing viewed the transaction as threatening Chinese supply chain security and pushed for state-owned Cosco to join the consortium. The dispute highlights growing friction between China and the US over influence in strategic waterways.

Chinese regulators have warned the European companies against engaging in activities that harm Chinese interests and emphasized the need to maintain supply chains amid global disruptions. While Maersk and MSC argue their temporary concessions are necessary for trade flow, Beijing's actions demonstrate its willingness to use economic leverage to protect strategic assets. The standoff could reshape control of one of the world's most important shipping routes.