China has condemned what it describes as the bullying of Egypt following recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who demanded that American vessels be granted free passage through the Suez and Panama Canals.
Addressing a press briefing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed Beijing’s strong opposition to Trump’s demand, reaffirming China’s support for Egypt in defending its sovereignty, legitimate rights, and national interests.
“We firmly support the Egyptian government and people in safeguarding their territorial integrity and economic autonomy,” Lin said.
Trump, speaking last month, claimed that U.S. vessels should not pay transit fees for the use of the Panama and Suez Canals, asserting that both strategic maritime routes “owe their existence” to American influence and intervention. He also directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “take care of and memorialise the situation immediately.”
The Suez Canal in Egypt and the Panama Canal in Central America are vital global shipping lanes. The Suez connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, facilitating trade between Europe and Asia, while the Panama Canal links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Both canals are critical sources of revenue for their respective nations, generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually in tolls. Fees vary depending on vessel size and cargo type, often running into hundreds of thousands of dollars per passage.
Egypt has not officially responded to Trump’s comments, but Beijing’s stance signals growing international concern over U.S. attempts to exert unilateral pressure on strategic global infrastructure.
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