Govt reiterates support for enterprises after Panama court ruling

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday that the government will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese enterprises after the Supreme Court of Panama announced that the contract authorizing CK Hutchison Holdings to operate port terminals in Panama is invalid.

Speaking at a daily news briefing, he said the company concerned issued a statement at the earliest opportunity, stating that the ruling runs counter to the Panamanian laws under which the relevant concession was approved, and that the company will reserve all its rights, including the option for legal action and litigation.