US Edition
Ban Chinese-Linked Operators From Key Panama Canal Ports, US Envoy Says
PANAMA, AUG 7 – The US backed Panama's Supreme Court lawsuits citing constitutional breaches and financial issues in the 25-year port contract held by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison, officials said.
- On August 6, 2025, U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera urged the removal of all operators with Chinese affiliations from the major ports near the Panama Canal that are managed by Panama Ports Company.
- This call came amid legal challenges filed in late July by Panama's comptroller-general Anel Flores seeking to annul the 25-year contract extension granted in 2021 due to alleged financial irregularities and procedural violations.
- Ambassador Cabrera criticized Panama Ports Company as a bad operator controlled by the Communist Party and urged that future operators be reliable and support Panamanian interests.
- The Balboa and Cristobal ports, operated by Panama Ports Company and handling nearly 40 percent of Panama's container volume in 2024, are central to a $23 billion global deal involving 43 ports, where Cosco Shipping seeks at least a 20 to 30 percent stake.
- These developments have intensified U.S.-China tensions over Panama Canal influence and may impact future port operations, as China vows lawful regulation while Washington supports efforts to replace Chinese-linked operators.
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The Panamanian president described the contract that since 1997 allows Panama Ports Company to operate Balboa and Cristóbal as “lesive”.
·Buenos Aires, Argentina
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PANAMA CITY (AP) — Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino insisted on Thursday on the cancellation of the concession contract that Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of a Chinese company, has to operate the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal located in both entrances of the interoceanic channel.
·United States
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China's state-owned Cosco is demanding a 20-30 percent share of the $23 billion port deal in the Panama Canal. The Chinese company Cosco has joined the negotiations.
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Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left, 50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 50%
C 50%
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