As for operations, the Panama Canal Authority is the autonomous authorized entity that administers the canal. It’s based mostly on the Panamanian structure and an natural legislation of 1997.
Trump’s declare boils right down to the truth that two of the 5 ports at both finish of the canal are operated by a subsidiary of a Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison, with stakes in 52 ports throughout 26 international locations.
At his affirmation listening to for the place of secretary of state, Marco Rubio raised issues a couple of international energy’s “skill to show the canal right into a choke level in a second of battle” by the businesses which might be “not unbiased”.
UNDERLYING CONCERNS ABOUT CHINESE PRESENCE IN LATIN AMERICA
Trump’s claims relating to the Panama Canal could also be doubtful, nevertheless it ought to be seen as a shorthand for a extra assertive Latin America coverage to push again in opposition to China’s increasing presence within the area.
Again in 2017, Panama switched its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. The Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras adopted.
The 12 months after, Panama signed as much as Beijing’s Belt and Street Initiative, once more the primary within the area to take action. By December 2024, one other 21 Latin American international locations had joined the initiative.
