International litigation in the long-running saga over Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison's Panama ports appears to be moving forward, with the company recently announcing the next steps in an investment arbitration proceeding.

In the midst of controversy over Chinese control of the Port of Darwin, an investment arbitration lawsuit has been filed, although the details of the claim have not been publicly disclosed yet.

Earlier this week, China's Ministry of Transport (MOT) summoned officials from shipping giants Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping (MSC), a sign of Beijing’s efforts to safeguard its strategic overseas commercial interests.

Having earlier filed a contract-based investment claim against the Panamanian government, Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison is now bringing a treaty-based investment claim as well.

The controversy over the Hong Kong-based Hutchison Ports contract related to running ports on both sides of the Panama Canal has now led to an international investment lawsuit by the company against the Government of Panama.

In a recent decision, an investment tribunal found for China in a complaint brought by a German spice and food company alleging violations of the China-Germany bilateral investment treaty (BIT) based on actions of a local government.

In response to an order to close its operations in Canada, Chinese tech company Hikvision, a major surveillance equipment manufacturer, has brought multiple lawsuits against the Government of Canada.