China Warns Panama of ‘Heavy Price’ on Court Ruling on Ports

The Chinese government has denounced a ruling by Panama’s top court to void CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.’s contract to operate two ports as “extremely absurd,” warning the Central American country would pay a “heavy price” if it fails to change course.

The ruling disregarded facts and severely damaged the legitimate rights and interests of the enterprise in Hong Kong, the Beijing office overseeing affairs in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory said in a commentary posted on its WeChat account on Tuesday.