Beijing vowed to "resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies" following a decision by Panama's highest court. The ruling annulled a concession that permitted the Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison to operate ports at the strategically vital Panama Canal. Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that China would take "necessary measures" to protect its companies, noting that CK Hutchison itself had claimed the ruling lacked a legal basis. #panama #mofa #china #foreignaffairs #panamacanal