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.
Read More
This section encourages reader contributions. The publication solicits tips from its audience, inviting them to share information. This call to action emphasizes the importance of reader involvement in journalistic endeavors. Submissions can be sent through a specified link provided within the article.
Read More
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.
Read More
The White House has ordered the U.S. military to develop plans for increasing troop presence in Panama to counter China’s influence and secure the Panama Canal, per President Trump’s directive. These plans range from enhanced military partnership with Panama to a less likely military seizure of the canal, contingent upon Panamanian cooperation. The administration aims to diminish China’s access to the waterway, a move that Panama and China both deny is necessary. This follows Trump’s assertion of reclaiming the canal, although the specifics remain unclear.
Read More
Following weeks of legal challenges and human rights concerns, Panama released dozens of migrants deported from the U.S., granting them a 30-day departure window with a possible 60-day extension. These individuals, hailing from diverse countries including Afghanistan, Russia, and China, faced dire conditions in a remote Panamanian camp, lacking access to legal counsel and adequate resources. Many expressed their inability to return home due to ongoing conflict or persecution, highlighting the precarious situation they now face. Despite the release, the migrants remain in legal limbo, with limited options and uncertain futures.
Read More
President Mulino strongly denounced President Trump’s claim that the U.S. was “reclaiming” the Panama Canal following the sale of a Chinese-owned port company’s stake to a U.S. consortium. Panama insists the transaction was purely private and that China never held influence over canal operations, rejecting any notion of U.S. “reclaiming” the waterway. Mulino further refuted suggestions of U.S. pressure influencing the sale, emphasizing Panama’s sovereign control over the canal. The $23 billion deal, involving CK Hutchison Holdings and BlackRock, still requires Panamanian government approval.
Read More
Nearly 300 undocumented migrants, deported from the US to Panama, are being held in a luxury hotel under strict guard. While 171 have agreed to return to their home countries, the remaining migrants face an uncertain future, potentially facing transfer to a Darién province camp. The Panamanian government maintains the migrants are in “temporary custody” for their protection, though concerns exist regarding their access to legal counsel and freedom of movement. International organizations like the IOM are providing support, assisting with voluntary repatriation and exploring alternative solutions for those not returning to their origin countries.
Read More
Panama has formally withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with President José Raúl Mulino citing a lack of demonstrable benefits to the country from the 2017 agreement. The decision, announced at a press conference, follows concerns regarding Chinese investment in the Panama Canal. Mulino stated that he instructed Panamanian diplomats in Beijing to provide the required notification. This action comes amidst speculation of US influence.
Read More
Despite a US State Department announcement claiming free transit for US government vessels through the Panama Canal, the Panama Canal Authority denies any toll adjustments. This contradicts earlier statements by Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggesting Panama offered concessions following pressure from President Trump, who has threatened force to secure access. Panama has refuted accusations of Chinese influence over the canal, but withdrew from China’s Belt and Road Initiative to address US concerns. Further talks between the US and Panama are scheduled.
Read More
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) refutes White House assertions that it has waived transit fees for US government vessels, stating its authority to set tolls remains unchanged. This denial follows a US State Department announcement claiming millions of dollars in annual savings through this purported agreement. The dispute arises amidst broader concerns voiced by US officials regarding China’s influence over the canal and a demand for Panama to address these concerns. The ACP, while committed to dialogue with the US, insists no toll adjustments have been made.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker