Chinese Representative Xie Feng Publicly Criticized Panama Demanding the Isthmus Correct Errors
Xie Feng is China’s Ambassador to the United States of America, having served as the country’s Vice Foreign Minister. He previously served as China’s top diplomatic envoy to Indonesia and as Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Prior to his current role, Ambassador Xie has twice served in Washington, DC: firstly as Counselor and Spokesperson (2000-2003), and secondly as Deputy Chief of Mission (2008-2010). He has more than two decades of experience working in the U.S.-China relationship.
An unusual diplomatic spat occurred at the Organization of American States (OAS) on June 23, 2026, when Chinese representative Xie Feng publicly criticized Panama. He demanded Panama correct its errors regarding Chinese businesses. Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha strongly pushed back, defending Panama’s sovereignty and constitutional rule of law.
Foreign Minister Javier Martínez Acha responds to the Representative of China during the OAS session in Panama.
This heated exchange unfolded during the dialogue of Permanent Observers at the OAS and stems from a tense commercial and geopolitical dispute:
- The Port Dispute: In January 2026, Panama’s Supreme Court struck down a concession for two Panama Canal ports previously awarded to the Panama Ports Company (a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison).
- Retaliation Claims: Panama reported a subsequent surge in Chinese inspections and detentions of Panama-flagged merchant ships at Chinese terminals, widely viewed as economic retaliation by Beijing.
- The Diplomatic Clash: After China raised the port issue at the OAS to demand the protection of Chinese corporate interests, Martínez-Acha requested the floor to respond. He firmly stated that while Panama recognizes the importance of its relationship with China, his president is constitutionally obligated to defend Panama’s national interests. He invited China to de-escalate, speak respectfully, and respect Panama’s constitution.
The clash between Panama and China marked one of the tensest interventions of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS). “My country is a democracy. My country has a separation of powers. Your country is different from mine,” he responded to the plenary session.
