BEIJING -- China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the enterprise, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday following a takeover by Panamanian authorities of two Panama Canal ports operated by Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison.

Reiterating that China's stance on the port-related issues in Panama is clear, Mao said at a regular news briefing that relevant enterprise has issued a statement, indicating that it reserves all rights, including resorting to legal procedures.