Core Viewpoint - The United States and China are engaged in a dispute over the influence of China in the Panama Canal, with the U.S. claiming it poses a threat to international trade and global security, while China refutes these claims as baseless attacks [1][3][4]. Group 1: U.S. Position - The U.S. has intensified pressure on the Panamanian government regarding China's influence over the Panama Canal since Trump's return to the White House [3]. - U.S. Secretary of State Rubio demanded that Panama "immediately change" its relationship with China concerning the canal during a visit in February [3]. - The U.S. has plans to acquire significant shares of the Panama Canal port operations through a consortium led by BlackRock [3]. Group 2: China's Response - China firmly opposes U.S. accusations, asserting that the Panama Canal is fully operated by Panamanians and that there is no increasing Chinese control [3][4]. - China's permanent representative to the UN emphasized respect for Panama's sovereignty over the canal and criticized U.S. unilateralism and hegemonic behavior as escalating global maritime security risks [4]. - China has called for the U.S. to reflect on its responsibilities as a major power and cease its fabrications regarding the Panama Canal [4]. Group 3: Maritime Security Concerns - The UN Security Council meeting highlighted multiple maritime security threats, including piracy, armed robbery, transnational crime, and increasing cyber-attack risks [1]. - The Secretary-General of Interpol warned that criminals might exploit artificial intelligence to target ports with the weakest cybersecurity, posing significant challenges to global port operations and shipping safety [1].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese representative at the UN, Fu Cong, refuted U.S. accusations regarding the Panama Canal, asserting that China respects Panama's sovereignty and the canal's status as a neutral international waterway [1] Group 1: U.S. Accusations and China's Response - The U.S. has repeatedly made unfounded accusations against China in various UN Security Council discussions, which China firmly opposes [1] - China emphasizes its respect for Panama's sovereignty over the canal and criticizes the U.S. for fabricating lies to justify its control over the Panama Canal [1] Group 2: U.S. Actions in the South China Sea - Fu Cong labeled the U.S. as the biggest disruptor of peace and stability in the South China Sea, citing the deployment of offensive weapons and military reconnaissance activities by the U.S. in the region [1] - The U.S. aims to create chaos in the South China Sea to serve its geopolitical interests, according to Fu Cong [1] Group 3: Global Maritime Security Risks - The U.S. is accused of exacerbating global maritime security risks through its hegemonic behavior, Cold War mentality, and unilateral actions [1] - The U.S. has not joined the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and disregards international law, which undermines global maritime governance [1] - The U.S. is also criticized for threatening the normal operations of key maritime routes like the Panama and Suez Canals, challenging the sovereignty of other nations [1]