China Loses Control of the Panama Canal: Government Withdraws Two Ports After Court Ruling Nullifies Concession and Resparks Billion-Dollar Dispute Between Beijing and Washington in Latin America

Written by Noel Budeguer

Published on 26/02/2026 at 16:54

Updated on 26/02/2026 at 22:53

1 person reacted to this.

Last-Minute Decision Removes Hong Kong Conglomerate from Control of Two Ports in the Panama Canal, Mobilizing Maersk and MSC for Provisional Operation and Rekindling Rivalry Between Beijing and Washington

A decision by the Panamanian government has changed the balance of power in one of the world’s most important trade routes. President José Raúl Mulino ordered the temporary occupation of two ports managed by the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings after a higher court annulled the company’s concession. The measure rekindles geopolitical tensions and places the Panama Canal back at the center of the dispute between the United States and China.

The decision directly affects the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals, considered key pieces for the flow of goods between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Panamanian government stated that the administration will temporarily pass to national authorities to ensure the continuity of operations without interruptions.

Judicial Decision Changes Port Scenario

The government’s move comes after a court ruling declared invalid the concession previously granted to the subsidiary Panama Ports Company, linked to CK Hutchison. According to the authorities, the occupation includes mobile equipment and operational infrastructure, but does not represent, at least for now, definitive expropriation of the assets.

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International Bidding and Provisional Transition

As the dispute progresses, the government announced that it will open an international public bidding process to grant the operation of the ports to new companies. The provisional administration has already been assumed by APM Terminals, linked to the Danish giant Maersk, and by Terminal Investment Limited, a branch of the Mediterranean Shipping Company.

The transition occurs amid technical inspections and audits of the port equipment and structures. The official intention is to maintain normal logistical flow, avoiding impacts on global trade, especially at a time of international economic instability.

Reaction from China and Global Impact

CK Hutchison reacted strongly, labeling the measure as illegal and warning of possible legal actions against the Panamanian government. The Hong Kong government filed a formal protest, while China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it will defend the legitimate rights of its companies abroad.

The episode also raises uncertainties about parallel negotiations involving the sale of dozens of global assets from CK Hutchison to a consortium backed by American BlackRock. Valued in billions of dollars, the deal has already been seen as a direct reflection of the growing rivalry between Washington and Beijing.

With the Panama Canal handling about 6% of global maritime trade, any change in its operational structure has immediate repercussions in international markets. The outcome of this dispute could redefine strategic alliances in Latin America and influence the future of the Chinese presence in critical infrastructures in the region.

China Loses Control of the Panama Canal: Government Withdraws Two Ports After Court Ruling Nullifies Concession and Resparks Billion-Dollar Dispute Between Beijing and Washington in Latin America

Last-Minute Decision Removes Hong Kong Conglomerate from Control of Two Ports in the Panama Canal, Mobilizing Maersk and MSC for Provisional Operation and Rekindling Rivalry Between Beijing and Washington

Judicial Decision Changes Port Scenario

International Bidding and Provisional Transition

Reaction from China and Global Impact

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China Loses Control of the Panama Canal: Government Withdraws Two Ports After Court Ruling Nullifies Concession and Resparks Billion-Dollar Dispute Between Beijing and Washington in Latin America

Last-Minute Decision Removes Hong Kong Conglomerate from Control of Two Ports in the Panama Canal, Mobilizing Maersk and MSC for Provisional Operation and Rekindling Rivalry Between Beijing and Washington

Judicial Decision Changes Port Scenario

International Bidding and Provisional Transition

Reaction from China and Global Impact

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China is building an artificial island in the middle of the sea, covering 20 km², to construct the largest offshore airport in the world, the Dalian Jinzhouwan. This $4.3 billion project is anchored on more than 3,000 pillars embedded in the rock beneath the ocean and is scheduled to open in 2035.

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