PPC of Hong 'Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison, a 'Panama' unit, has filed an arbitration 'against 'Maersk 'after taking over two strategic ports close to the Panama Canal, which are the centre of a 'legal battle' that has engulfed Beijing and Washington.

In a press release, the 'Panama Ports Company' (PPC), said that Maersk had violated a long-term agreement by siding with the 'Panamanian Government to remove PPC as operator of Balboa Port and replace it with an operator affiliated with Maersk.

Maersk violated the contract and aligned itself with the 'Republic of Panama' in connection with a state-led campaign to undermine?PPC, and a scheme to replace it by a takeover that installed new port operators," said a statement from?PPC.

(source: Reuters)