China Condemns US “Bullying” Over Suez Canal, Backs Egypt’s Sovereignty
BEIJING – China on Wednesday voiced strong opposition to what it described as the “bullying” of Egypt after US President Donald Trump demanded that American ships be allowed to transit the Suez and Panama Canals free of charge.
“China firmly supports the Egyptian government and people in safeguarding their sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests, and opposes any acts or words of bullying,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, as reported by the state-run Global Times.
Lin emphasized that Egypt’s control and management of the Suez Canal are “indisputable,” affirming Beijing’s support for Cairo amid mounting international criticism of Trump’s remarks.
The backlash followed Trump’s declaration last month that US vessels should be exempt from canal transit fees, asserting that the United States was responsible for the creation and continued operation of both the Suez and Panama Canals. He said he had directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “immediately take care of, and memorialize, this situation!”
Both the Suez and Panama Canals are critical global trade routes and major sources of revenue for Egypt and Panama, respectively. Transit fees can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars per ship depending on size and cargo—fees which are vital to the economies of both countries.
