China is systematically leveraging its growing control over global ports, ships, and supply chains as instruments of political coercion, U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Warren Stephens warned in a statement to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
"Beijing has pursued an aggressive strategy of acquiring port concessions and infrastructure around the world — not simply for commercial gain, but to extend its strategic reach and weaponize that access against sovereign nations," Stephens wrote in a social media post following his address. He emphasized that China's actions present a challenge "we cannot afford to ignore."
The ambassador highlighted the U.S. maritime industry's significant economic contribution, noting that America's Maritime Transportation System supports $5.4 trillion in economic activity annually and nearly 30 million jobs. Stephens asserted that the U.S. is a "cornerstone of the global maritime economy" and not merely a passive observer.
China's Maritime Strategy and the Panama Example
Stephens pointed to China's dominance in shipbuilding, producing more than half the world's ships, and its control over the production of ship-to-shore cranes and shipping containers. As a recent example, he cited the ruling by Panama's Supreme Court that found concessions granted to CK Hutchison for port terminals at Balboa and Cristóbal unconstitutional. These terminals are situated at opposite ends of the Panama Canal, a vital global trade route.
According to Stephens, China's response to the ruling was "swift and punishing," involving actions against Panama-flagged vessels. The U.S. characterized this as an attempt to undermine Panama's sovereignty and disrupt global supply chains. "What happened to Panama is a warning to every nation in this room," Stephens stated, adding that allowing foreign powers or their proxies to control ports creates vulnerability.
He urged IMO member states to scrutinize deals involving foreign entities, particularly state-linked enterprises, in operating critical port infrastructure, stressing that transparency, the rule of law, and genuine sovereignty are foundational to commerce.
Trump's Stance on Greenland and Arctic Security
The ambassador's warning coincides with former President Donald Trump's continued emphasis on U.S. strategic interests in Greenland. Trump has reiterated his view that the United States should control Greenland, citing threats to free navigation in the Arctic from Chinese and Russian vessels.
Speaking at a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump stated that Greenland is an important area for the U.S. and is "surrounded by China ships and Russian ships." He argued that Denmark, which currently governs Greenland, does not invest sufficiently in the territory, and that U.S. control would be beneficial for global security. Trump also suggested that U.S. military spending in Europe could be reduced if allies increased their own defense contributions.
Greenland's strategic location between the Arctic and North Atlantic makes it a significant consideration in U.S. security planning. Stephens also noted that "President Trump has made restoring American maritime leadership a national priority."
Defending the Rules-Based Maritime Order
Stephens concluded his remarks by stating that "the pattern is consistent: China uses its maritime and economic power to coerce, to intimidate, and to punish those who assert their sovereign rights." He urged member states to be vigilant, as the rules-based maritime order and a "free and open ocean" are not guaranteed and "must be defended."