China detains nearly 70 Panamanian-flagged ships in Panama Canal dispute

China has detained nearly 70 Panamanian-flagged ships in what US officials describe as retaliation following a Supreme Court ruling related to the Panama Canal, according to a report by Al Jazeera English published on 29 April 2026.

The United States and several Latin American countries have publicly criticised the detentions, signalling a sharp escalation in tensions over control and access to one of the world's most strategically critical waterways.

The Panama Canal handles a significant share of global container traffic, and any disruption to vessel movement through or near the route carries consequences for shipping costs and delivery schedules across multiple regions, including Europe, the Gulf, and Asia.

No further details on the specific Supreme Court ruling or the locations where ships were detained were immediately available. US officials have not yet confirmed what diplomatic steps are being taken in response.