Inspection of Panama-flagged vessels in line with int'l conventions: Chinese foreign ministry

BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) -- China conducts inspections of vessels berthed at its ports in accordance with laws and regulations, which is fully in line with international conventions, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

Lin made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to U.S. and Panamanian accusations that the inspections are punitive of Panama-flagged vessels.

China places high emphasis on the safety of maritime transportation and personnel, Lin said, noting that according to data provided by Chinese authorities, since the beginning of this year, Panamanian-flagged vessels have registered multiple accidents in Chinese waters that meet or exceed the statutory accident classification threshold.