Executive Summary

We assess that the United States (US) actions against Chinese presence in the Panama Canal will limit Beijing’s influence in the region, although it still retains other leverage there. The recent actions by the Trump administration to gain access to the canal, including the development of military options, fit into the broader strategic competition between Washington and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). [source]

The canal was transferred to Panama in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. It is a key strategic asset for the US, facilitating significant trade and military movements. However, China’s growing influence in the region, particularly through port operations and investments, raised concerns about its effects on US interests. Recent tensions have escalated with accusations of Chinese control, resulting in the process of acquisition of port facilities by BlackRock, an American company, from operators based in mainland China and Hong Kong. [source]

Images Sourced From: Petty Officer 2nd Class Trevor Welsh, JUSTINSOMNIA, China Daily