China said on Monday that its inspections of Panama-flagged ships were conducted in accordance with international conventions, rejecting claims that the measures were "punitive."

Responding to reports that the United States and Panama had described China's inspections of Panama-flagged vessels as "punitive," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said official statistics showed that several serious maritime accidents involving Panama-flagged vessels had occurred in Chinese waters since the beginning of the year.

China attaches great importance to maritime traffic and personal safety, Lin said at a regular press conference.

Chinese authorities conduct port state control inspections of vessels calling at Chinese ports in accordance with laws and regulations, a practice that is fully consistent with international conventions, he added.