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Panama

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Panama. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Panama City

Head of State

President José Raúl Mulino

Head of Government

President José Raúl Mulino

A Panama court ruling has stripped the Hong Kong-based conglomerate’s subsidiary, Panama Ports Company of its right to operate the Balboa and Cristobal terminals. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison faces limited legal options after Panama voids port rights: experts

Beijing will need to step in if the case is to be brought to an international court in The Hague, legal expert tells SCMP.

2 Feb 2026 - 12:32AM

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison tipped to sell remaining ports despite Panama court ruling: experts

31 Jan 2026 - 11:01PM

China-Latin America relations

US hails Panama high court ruling against CK Hutchison’s ports concession

31 Jan 2026 - 5:31AMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Beijing, Hong Kong slam Panama court ruling on CK Hutchison ports concession

Supreme Court rules port contract of firm’s subsidiary ‘unconstitutional’.

30 Jan 2026 - 11:25PM

Panama’s Supreme Court has ruled that the concession contract between the state and the Panama Ports Company, a CK Hutchison subsidiary, is unconstitutional. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

What about Taiwan? Why US foreign policy is now all about the western hemisphere

The State Department skips direct references to the island as it outlines it foreign policy direction for the next five years.

24 Jan 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

United States

Former flight attendant posed as pilot for hundreds of free US trips

Dallas Pokornik, 33, pleaded not guilty to a scheme where he allegedly used forged credentials to board major US airlines.

21 Jan 2026 - 2:00PM

Open Questions series

Open Questions | China wins if Venezuela ensnares Trump, Mearsheimer says

Maduro’s ‘kidnap’ and naked grab for Venezuela’s oil may leave US bogged down and less able to keep eye on China, political scientist John Mearsheimer says.

16 Jan 2026 - 10:00AMvideocam

US-Venezuela conflict

China is likely to thread the needle after US attack on Venezuela

A wait-and-see strategy is wise, analysts said, given the uncertainty surrounding Venezuela at the moment.

5 Jan 2026 - 11:52PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Venezuela crisis underscores China’s challenges in Latin America

Washington making an example of Maduro as a ‘warning shot’ would create a ‘chilling effect’ across Latin America, observer says.

4 Jan 2026 - 11:01PMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

Explainer | Was the US capture of Venezuela’s President Maduro legal?

Nicolas Maduro to face charges in New York - but experts question the legality of the US operation and plans to ‘run’ Venezuela.

4 Jan 2026 - 2:41PMvideocam

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in custody at the offices of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City. Photo: @RapidResponse47 via Reuters

United States

Explainer | US interventions in Latin America: a history of coups and conflicts

From the Bay of Pigs to Operation Condor to Venezuela in 2026: A look at the legacy of CIA-backed coups and US military action in Latin America.

3 Jan 2026 - 11:16PM

Members of Cuban Assault Brigade 2506 after their capture at the Bay of Pigs, Cuba, April 1961. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong economy

Could 2026 be the make-or-break year of CK Hutchison’s Panama ports deal?

What began as a strategic exit for a Hong Kong conglomerate has devolved into a high-stakes stand-off between Washington and Beijing.

2 Jan 2026 - 10:15AM

Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong politics in 2025: Jimmy Lai verdict, Legco poll and Panama port saga

The Post rounds up major political events that made 2025 a significant year for the city.

31 Dec 2025 - 9:33PMvideocam

SCMP Highlights

PLA’s Taiwan drills, China powers up record ‘air battery’: SCMP daily highlights

From the yuan rate set to a 15-month high to Cambodia and Thailand’s meeting with China, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

29 Dec 2025 - 9:15PM

In the Gobi Desert outside Golmud, Qinghai, a facility is using compressed air to store energy. Photo: Handout

China-Latin America relations

China protests to Panama over destruction of memorial to Chinese labourers

The monument was removed on the weekend without notice or consultation, Beijing’s envoy says.

29 Dec 2025 - 8:00PMvideocam

Police tape surrounds the area where a monument to the Chinese community once stood in Panama City, Panama. Photo: EPA

US-China relations

US highlights Panama security ties as China-linked canal ports deal stalls

US envoy’s coastguard visit near Panama comes as Beijing presses for Cosco control and Washington pushes back.

19 Dec 2025 - 4:59AMvideocam

China's military weapons

Is China testing drone subs that could threaten US west coast or Panama Canal?

Evidence points to the development of XXL vessels that provide a ‘low-risk’ option for attacking key sites, according to a US defence website.

13 Dec 2025 - 8:00PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

China pledges aid to Latin America, Caribbean with no ‘political conditions’

Third strategy paper of its kind released as Beijing seeks to expand its influence in a region Washington actively courts.

11 Dec 2025 - 12:07AMvideocam

A container ship arrives at the Port of Balboa in Panama City, Panama, on October 27. Latin America has emerged as a focal point in the competition between Washington and Beijing. Photo: EPA

China-Latin America relations

Trump’s national security blueprint aims to combat China’s rise in Latin America

Framework pledges to stop competitors from threatening the stability and political alignment of neighbouring countries in the region.

6 Dec 2025 - 7:37AMvideocam

Science

China trains industry AI tool using ‘world’s largest’ port operation data set

Application to support research and development draws on data covering ‘the most comprehensive range of port business scenarios’, NDRC says.

3 Dec 2025 - 7:13PMvideocam

United States

Opinion | Venezuela? Trump’s real aim could be laying claim to the western hemisphere

In the aftermath of American exceptionalism, Trump and Xi could form respective ‘greater areas’, each ordered by their own nation’s political and legal norms.

23 Nov 2025 - 8:30PMvideocam

A T-shirt worn by a Maduro supporter at a rally against US military activity in the Caribbean, in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas on October 30. Photo: AFP via Getty Images/TNS

US-China relations

China accuses US of undermining ties with Greece in envoy’s Piraeus port remarks

Washington’s ambassador under fire after urging Athens to sell the ancient port operated by Chinese shipping giant Cosco.

20 Nov 2025 - 4:08PMvideocam

US ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle’s remarks about the Chinese presence at Piraeus port have attracted criticism from Beijing. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong politics

Advisory panel urges US Congress to put Hong Kong on tighter sanctions leash

Report says government’s ongoing crackdown on dissidents ‘has eliminated a once vibrant civil society and created an atmosphere of repression comparable to mainland China’.

18 Nov 2025 - 4:26PM

China trade

Where are the ‘choke points’ in global trade – and can they be overcome?

Global trade growth is set to slow by 0.6 per cent in 2026, Allianz Trade says, as tariffs cut deep and major routes get congested.

10 Nov 2025 - 9:00PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Panama ‘moving fast’ to pre-qualify bidders to build 2 new port terminals

One-on-one meetings set for first week of December, canal’s chief administrator says amid stalled sale of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s ports.

7 Nov 2025 - 9:47PM

The Port of Balboa at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong economy

Panama seeks partners in new port plan that ‘may ease US-China rivalry’

Panama Canal Authority says it has ‘launched a consultation process with representatives of the maritime industry to identify potential partners’.

28 Oct 2025 - 9:43PM

The Panama Canal Authority has met key industry players ahead of tendering its US$2.6 billion plan to build two new port terminals. Photo: AFP

SCMP Highlights

Trump-Albanese meeting, China patrols disputed waters: SCMP daily highlights

From a US trade blacklist sparking tensions to Trump downplaying mainland China’s threat to Taiwan, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

21 Oct 2025 - 9:15PM

US-China relations

China says US visa threats to Central America show ‘lack of basic respect’

Washington has threatened entry curbs on officials and others from the region seen as ‘acting on behalf’ of the Communist Party of China.

21 Oct 2025 - 10:17PMvideocam

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Panama

CK Hutchison faces limited legal options after Panama voids port rights: experts

Beijing will need to step in if the case is to be brought to an international court in The Hague, legal expert tells SCMP.

CK Hutchison tipped to sell remaining ports despite Panama court ruling: experts

US hails Panama high court ruling against CK Hutchison’s ports concession

Beijing, Hong Kong slam Panama court ruling on CK Hutchison ports concession

Supreme Court rules port contract of firm’s subsidiary ‘unconstitutional’.

What about Taiwan? Why US foreign policy is now all about the western hemisphere

The State Department skips direct references to the island as it outlines it foreign policy direction for the next five years.

Former flight attendant posed as pilot for hundreds of free US trips

Dallas Pokornik, 33, pleaded not guilty to a scheme where he allegedly used forged credentials to board major US airlines.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Open Questions | China wins if Venezuela ensnares Trump, Mearsheimer says

Maduro’s ‘kidnap’ and naked grab for Venezuela’s oil may leave US bogged down and less able to keep eye on China, political scientist John Mearsheimer says.

China is likely to thread the needle after US attack on Venezuela

A wait-and-see strategy is wise, analysts said, given the uncertainty surrounding Venezuela at the moment.

Venezuela crisis underscores China’s challenges in Latin America

Washington making an example of Maduro as a ‘warning shot’ would create a ‘chilling effect’ across Latin America, observer says.

Explainer | Was the US capture of Venezuela’s President Maduro legal?

Nicolas Maduro to face charges in New York - but experts question the legality of the US operation and plans to ‘run’ Venezuela.

Explainer | US interventions in Latin America: a history of coups and conflicts

From the Bay of Pigs to Operation Condor to Venezuela in 2026: A look at the legacy of CIA-backed coups and US military action in Latin America.

Could 2026 be the make-or-break year of CK Hutchison’s Panama ports deal?

What began as a strategic exit for a Hong Kong conglomerate has devolved into a high-stakes stand-off between Washington and Beijing.

Hong Kong politics in 2025: Jimmy Lai verdict, Legco poll and Panama port saga

The Post rounds up major political events that made 2025 a significant year for the city.

PLA’s Taiwan drills, China powers up record ‘air battery’: SCMP daily highlights

From the yuan rate set to a 15-month high to Cambodia and Thailand’s meeting with China, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

China protests to Panama over destruction of memorial to Chinese labourers

The monument was removed on the weekend without notice or consultation, Beijing’s envoy says.

US highlights Panama security ties as China-linked canal ports deal stalls

US envoy’s coastguard visit near Panama comes as Beijing presses for Cosco control and Washington pushes back.

Is China testing drone subs that could threaten US west coast or Panama Canal?

Evidence points to the development of XXL vessels that provide a ‘low-risk’ option for attacking key sites, according to a US defence website.

China pledges aid to Latin America, Caribbean with no ‘political conditions’

Third strategy paper of its kind released as Beijing seeks to expand its influence in a region Washington actively courts.

Trump’s national security blueprint aims to combat China’s rise in Latin America

Framework pledges to stop competitors from threatening the stability and political alignment of neighbouring countries in the region.

China trains industry AI tool using ‘world’s largest’ port operation data set

Application to support research and development draws on data covering ‘the most comprehensive range of port business scenarios’, NDRC says.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Venezuela? Trump’s real aim could be laying claim to the western hemisphere

In the aftermath of American exceptionalism, Trump and Xi could form respective ‘greater areas’, each ordered by their own nation’s political and legal norms.

China accuses US of undermining ties with Greece in envoy’s Piraeus port remarks

Washington’s ambassador under fire after urging Athens to sell the ancient port operated by Chinese shipping giant Cosco.

Advisory panel urges US Congress to put Hong Kong on tighter sanctions leash

Report says government’s ongoing crackdown on dissidents ‘has eliminated a once vibrant civil society and created an atmosphere of repression comparable to mainland China’.

Where are the ‘choke points’ in global trade – and can they be overcome?

Global trade growth is set to slow by 0.6 per cent in 2026, Allianz Trade says, as tariffs cut deep and major routes get congested.

Panama ‘moving fast’ to pre-qualify bidders to build 2 new port terminals

One-on-one meetings set for first week of December, canal’s chief administrator says amid stalled sale of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s ports.

Panama seeks partners in new port plan that ‘may ease US-China rivalry’

Panama Canal Authority says it has ‘launched a consultation process with representatives of the maritime industry to identify potential partners’.

Trump-Albanese meeting, China patrols disputed waters: SCMP daily highlights

From a US trade blacklist sparking tensions to Trump downplaying mainland China’s threat to Taiwan, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

China says US visa threats to Central America show ‘lack of basic respect’

Washington has threatened entry curbs on officials and others from the region seen as ‘acting on behalf’ of the Communist Party of China.

Open Questions | China wins if Venezuela ensnares Trump, Mearsheimer says

Opinion | Venezuela? Trump’s real aim could be laying claim to the western hemisphere