A Panamanian citizens’ coalition, Sal de las Redes, filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of a recent agreement allowing U.S. troop deployment near the Panama Canal. The agreement, signed under pressure from the U.S. President, permits U.S. forces to conduct training and maneuvers in areas adjacent to the canal, raising concerns about a de facto re-establishment of U.S. military bases. The coalition argues the agreement violates the Panamanian Constitution and the 1977 treaty transferring canal control to Panama, despite government assurances to the contrary. The agreement’s potential impact on Panamanian sovereignty and its implications for the canal’s neutrality are central to the dispute.
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Following a visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the deployment of US troops confirmed by Donald Trump, Panamanian opposition parties have accused the US of a “camouflaged invasion,” citing the establishment of a US military presence at former US bases. While the Panamanian government claims the agreement is temporary and doesn’t violate national sovereignty, opposition leaders contend this constitutes a de facto military base, sparking widespread protests and legal action. These actions, coupled with opaque negotiations and conflicting statements from both governments, have fueled public anger and distrust in President Mulino’s handling of the crisis. The situation has reignited painful memories of past US military intervention and threatens Panama’s sovereignty.
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The recent announcement that the US recognizes Panama’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal, following discussions between the two nations, presents a complex picture. While seemingly straightforward, the situation is fraught with the usual political maneuvering and underlying uncertainties that characterize US foreign policy. The statement itself, while positive, is not without its caveats and raises questions about the true extent of this recognition and its longevity.
The declaration of US recognition, while welcomed by Panama, doesn’t automatically erase years of complex history and lingering suspicions. There’s a definite sense that the statement may be more of a strategic political move than a genuine shift in long-held US attitudes toward Panamanian control of the canal.… Continue reading
Secretary Hegseth, addressing concerns about China’s growing influence in the Western Hemisphere, highlighted China-based companies’ control of land and critical infrastructure. He urged regional governments to collaborate to counter this influence and address threats from drug cartels and immigration. Following a meeting with Panamanian President Mulino, agreements were made to enhance security coordination and explore methods to reimburse fees for U.S. warship transit through the Panama Canal, a point of contention stemming from concerns over alleged Chinese influence and overcharging. The sale of a controlling stake in Panamanian ports from a Hong Kong-based consortium to an American consortium is expected to further alleviate these concerns.
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Following a meeting with Panamanian President Mulino, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the US commitment to securing the Panama Canal against perceived Chinese threats, citing concerns over Chinese-controlled ports near the canal and potential surveillance activities. Hegseth highlighted strengthened US-Panama defense cooperation to counter these threats, while China’s embassy in Panama accused the US of using “blackmail” and interfering in Panama’s sovereign decisions. Despite Panama’s denials of Chinese influence over canal operations, the ongoing situation reflects heightened US-China tensions surrounding the canal’s security and control. The sale of a Hong Kong consortium’s stake in the canal ports to a consortium including BlackRock Inc. is expected to shift control to a US-linked entity.
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CK Hutchison’s planned sale of its Panama Canal ports to a BlackRock-led consortium, initially slated for April 2nd, is delayed. While not officially cancelled, the deal faces significant opposition from Chinese authorities who view it as furthering U.S. containment strategies. The sale, expected to generate over $19 billion, involves two of the five ports adjacent to the canal, and has been met with both support from former U.S. President Trump and criticism from pro-Beijing media. The delay follows directives from Chinese authorities to state-owned firms to avoid new deals with Li Ka-shing’s businesses.
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Taiwanese soldiers guarding the president’s office being found guilty of spying for China underscores a deeply concerning issue: the vulnerability of even the highest levels of security to infiltration. The fact that these individuals, entrusted with protecting the very heart of the Taiwanese government, betrayed that trust for personal gain or ideological reasons is shocking. The sentences handed down, ranging up to seven years, raise questions about the effectiveness of deterrents against espionage.
This incident is not an isolated event; it highlights a broader pattern of Chinese influence operations aimed at destabilizing Taiwan. Analysts and officials see this as part of a larger strategy by Beijing to undermine Taiwan’s defenses, both militarily and psychologically.… Continue reading
Beijing and Hong Kong officials voiced strong opposition to BlackRock’s proposed acquisition of Panama Canal ports from CK Hutchison, citing concerns about economic coercion. While the ports are outside Chinese territory, the criticism casts doubt on the deal’s future. Chinese agencies are reportedly reviewing the $22.8 billion deal for potential security and antitrust issues. This opposition caused a significant drop in CK Hutchison’s share price.
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President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to develop plans for potentially reclaiming the Panama Canal, including the use of military force. These plans, being drafted by SOUTHCOM, range from increased cooperation with Panama’s military to a full-scale invasion. The likelihood of invasion hinges on Panama’s level of cooperation, and the move is ostensibly to enhance U.S. economic security, despite Panama’s and others’ objections. This action follows Trump’s repeated threats and mischaracterizations of the canal’s operations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood