Relevant Chinese authorities conduct port state control inspections on ships docking at Chinese ports in accordance with laws and regulations, which is fully in line with international conventions and does not target at any specific country or flag, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday.

File photo: Chinese foreign ministry

Guo made the remarks at a daily briefing in response to the Panamanian president's statement that China had inspected Panama-flagged vessels.

"Since 2026, Panama-flagged vessels have been involved in a series of collisions between merchant and fishing ships in Chinese waters, resulting in multiple deaths and disappearances."

China's inspections are conducted with a responsible attitude toward shipping safety, especially the safety of personnel, noted Guo.