China on Wednesday frowned at the bullying of Egypt after US President Donald Trump demanded the free-of-charge passage of American vessels through the Suez Canal and Panama Canal.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, Beijing firmly supports the Egyptian government and people in safeguarding their sovereignty, legitimate rights and interests.
Last month, Trump 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 US.
The US president had directed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio to immediately take care of and memorialise the situation.
DAILY POST reports that 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.
