China on Wednesday opposed bullying of Egypt after U.S President Donald Trump demanded American vessels’ free-of-charge passage through the Suez Canal and Panama Canal.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian said Beijing firmly supports the Egyptian government and people in safeguarding their sovereignty, legitimate rights and interests.
While, it opposes any acts or words of bullying, said the state-media Global Times.
Lin, said Egypt’s sovereignty over and management and operation rights of the Suez Canal are indisputable.
U.S President Donald Trump last month said that American vessels should travel through the Panama and Suez canals without paying fees, claiming that these strategic passages owe their existence to the U.S.
Trump had directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately take care of, and memorialise, this situation
The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through Panama, while the Suez Canal in Egypt links the Mediterranean and Red seas, providing the shortest maritime route between Europe, Indian and Western Pacific oceans.
Both canals charge substantial transit fees, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on vessel size and cargo. (AA/NAN)
