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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 rescuer inspects a building damaged by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Penomone, Panama, on Friday. Photo: EPA

Natural disasters

Panama rocked by 2 powerful earthquakes, multiple aftershocks

The 7.7 and 6.6 magnitude tremors caused buildings to collapse and prompted evacuations across the country.

10 Oct 2026 - 6:32AMvideocam

US-China relations

Key US port for China imports records best-ever quarter despite trade doubt

10 Oct 2026 - 5:17AMvideocam

European Union

EU removes Panama from tax haven blacklist

9 Oct 2026 - 7:12PM

US-China relations

China urged to build ‘system’ to protect expanding overseas interests

Analysis calls for strategic shift, with more diplomatic engagement to reshape the rules and deeper security cooperation with other nations.

4 Oct 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

A Chinese analysis noted that the security of shipping lanes was critical to energy and mineral imports as well as supply chains. Photo: AFP

China-Latin America relations

Panama auditor targets ex-port regulators, CK Hutchison’s subsidiary in canal probe

Anel Flores says additional material concerns ex-maritime authority board members, executives of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s subsidiary.

3 Oct 2026 - 9:03PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

China backs Cuba, Beijing’s Panama threat: 7 Latin America relations reads

From geopolitical alliances to a record-making UN vote, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in September 2026.

1 Oct 2026 - 10:00PM

Americas and the Caribbean

Venezuelans take to streets demanding free elections, opposition leader’s return

Supporters push for democratic transition after Maria Corina Machado is repeatedly blocked from re-entering the country.

28 Sep 2026 - 3:08PM

Supporters of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado rally in La Guaira, Venezuela on Sunday. Photo: AP

US-China relations

Donald Trump presses China on fentanyl precursors ahead of US summit

White House designates China as the top source of core synthetic drug chemicals despite joint enforcement progress.

17 Sep 2026 - 5:14PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Beijing threatens ‘serious consequences’ after Panama lawmakers support Taiwan

Parliamentary exchange group set up despite pressure from China’s embassy and public disavowal by Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino.

15 Sep 2026 - 5:36AMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

New Panama Canal chief says El Nino could force further transit cuts

Daily vessel limit may be lowered to 29 as falling reservoir levels strain key shipping route.

8 Sep 2026 - 2:37PM

Ships transiting the Panama Canal, as a lack of rainfall linked to El Nino affects the water levels. Photo: Reuters

Americas and the Caribbean

Venezuela’s Maduro seeks dismissal of US charges, citing immunity

Nicolas Maduro’s lawyer says head-of-state immunity bars US prosecution over drug trafficking charges.

3 Sep 2026 - 2:36PM

One of two photos posted on former Venezuela leader Nicolas Maduro’s X account on August 30, 2026. Photo: @NicolasMaduro via X

US-China relations

Opinion | US and China must team up to keep maritime trade routes free and safe

The Strait of Hormuz crisis shows neither state benefits when key waterways can become instruments of political pressure or economic coercion.

28 Aug 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

US-China relations

What China can do to secure trade routes in its coming high-seas struggle with US

Di Dongsheng argues it could take three decades for China to dominate access to ports, straits, canals and shipping lanes around the world.

27 Aug 2026 - 3:58PMvideocam

Trade

Asian shipper pays record US$5.3 million for Panama Canal access

Demand to pass through waterway soars after Iran war upends global trade routes, leaving ships facing 11-day wait.

26 Aug 2026 - 1:04PM

A Panamanian-flagged vessel transits the Panama Canal in March. Photo: Reuters

US-China relations

US, China diplomats clash over tech spying and trade hub claims in Latin America

Weeks before the expected Xi-Trump summit in Washington, officials are trading barbs on social media over the latest competitive arena.

24 Aug 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Telecoms giant Huawei Technologies was one of a number of Chinese companies named by a US official in a social media post that sparked exchanges between embassies. Photo: Xinhua

Extreme weather

Panama Canal to reduce shipping over El Nino-fuelled drought

Further restrictions on the Atlantic-Pacific waterway are likely due to low water levels in artificial lakes that feed the canal.

23 Aug 2026 - 7:11AM

India

India rescues 2 Chinese nationals from sunken cargo ship, searches for others

The Panama-flagged vessel had ‌24 crew on board, including 20 Chinese nationals, according to India’s coastguard.

23 Aug 2026 - 3:03PM

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison’s HK$11.7b Panama ports dispute could take years to resolve

Latest claim by Li Ka-shing family-backed conglomerate and separate subsidiary action bring total demands over the takeover to more than HK$27.3 billion.

21 Aug 2026 - 12:32PMvideocam

CK Hutchison has launched arbitration against Panama, seeking more than HK$11.7 billion over the country’s takeover of the Balboa and Cristobal terminals. Photo: AP

China-Latin America relations

US accuses 9 Latin American countries of helping China avoid Trump’s tariffs

More than 40 countries targeted for helping Beijing illegally avoid tariffs by rerouting trade via nations with lower American import duties.

14 Aug 2026 - 7:34AMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison says ‘forced termination’ of Panama ports cut 1% off throughput

Despite Panama exit, port business’ earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation up 4 per cent to HK$9.03 billion in first half.

21 Aug 2026 - 12:33PM

Hong Kong property

CK Hutchison Holdings reports 31-fold surge in first-half profit

Global environment in the first half of 2026 was ‘exceptionally turbulent and uncertain’, says chairman Victor Li Tzar-kuoi.

13 Aug 2026 - 8:14PM

A screenshot of CK Hutchison Holdings’ chairman Victor Li Tzar-kuoi from the 2025 CK Hutchison general meeting. Photo: Handout

China’s anti-sanctions law

China’s top court highlights first Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law ruling in Shanghai

Supreme People’s Court says judgment was first to ‘explicitly establish the mandatory application’ of five-year-old law.

12 Aug 2026 - 4:52PM

China’s Shanghai Maritime Court ruled against a Singaporean company, and in favour of a Hong Kong company, in a case involving US sanctions. Photo: Shutterstock

US, Israel war on Iran

US says it has fired on ship in Gulf of Oman to enforce Iranian ports blockade

A US Navy helicopter fired on and disabled the Panama-flagged ship after the crew ignored warnings from US forces, said US Central Command.

12 Aug 2026 - 4:36AMvideocam

China exports

China-made vessel carries record EVs in shipment from Shanghai to Europe

A new China-made roll-on, roll-off carrier set a new domestic record for number of vehicles shipped in one voyage.

28 Jul 2026 - 3:00PMvideocam

US-China relations

Exclusive | Can the US and its allies break China’s grip on rare earths and AI technology?

In an exclusive interview, senior US official says a whole-of-supply-chain strategy is needed to cut dependence on China.

28 Jul 2026 - 8:43PMvideocam

The Pax Silica summit held in Washington in June brought together countries seeking to strengthen AI supply chains. Photo: Handout

China-Latin America relations

China rejects US, Panamanian claims of ‘weaponising’ ship inspections

Beijing cites data showing Panama-flagged vessels suffered multiple serious accidents in Chinese waters this year.

13 Jul 2026 - 8:03PM

The Panama-flagged cargo ship HMM Namu, in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on January 5. Beijing has defended its inspections as lawful and aimed at protecting navigation and the marine environment. Photo: Handout via Reuters

China’s private sector

China’s biotech boom: RAS-targeted drugs challenge US dominance

The rapid development of China’s RAS-targeted cancer drugs could reshape global oncology and unlock the country’s undervalued biotech firms.

8 Jul 2026 - 2:00PM

Natural disasters

Venezuela leader vows ‘no social unrest’ as quakes toll passes 3,300

Delcy Rodriguez defends emergency response amid growing public anger and UN estimates of up to 50,000 missing.

6 Jul 2026 - 11:36AMvideocam

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Panama

Panama rocked by 2 powerful earthquakes, multiple aftershocks

The 7.7 and 6.6 magnitude tremors caused buildings to collapse and prompted evacuations across the country.

Key US port for China imports records best-ever quarter despite trade doubt

EU removes Panama from tax haven blacklist

China urged to build ‘system’ to protect expanding overseas interests

Analysis calls for strategic shift, with more diplomatic engagement to reshape the rules and deeper security cooperation with other nations.

Panama auditor targets ex-port regulators, CK Hutchison’s subsidiary in canal probe

Anel Flores says additional material concerns ex-maritime authority board members, executives of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s subsidiary.

China backs Cuba, Beijing’s Panama threat: 7 Latin America relations reads

From geopolitical alliances to a record-making UN vote, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in September 2026.

Venezuelans take to streets demanding free elections, opposition leader’s return

Supporters push for democratic transition after Maria Corina Machado is repeatedly blocked from re-entering the country.

Donald Trump presses China on fentanyl precursors ahead of US summit

White House designates China as the top source of core synthetic drug chemicals despite joint enforcement progress.

Beijing threatens ‘serious consequences’ after Panama lawmakers support Taiwan

Parliamentary exchange group set up despite pressure from China’s embassy and public disavowal by Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino.

New Panama Canal chief says El Nino could force further transit cuts

Daily vessel limit may be lowered to 29 as falling reservoir levels strain key shipping route.

Venezuela’s Maduro seeks dismissal of US charges, citing immunity

Nicolas Maduro’s lawyer says head-of-state immunity bars US prosecution over drug trafficking charges.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | US and China must team up to keep maritime trade routes free and safe

The Strait of Hormuz crisis shows neither state benefits when key waterways can become instruments of political pressure or economic coercion.

What China can do to secure trade routes in its coming high-seas struggle with US

Di Dongsheng argues it could take three decades for China to dominate access to ports, straits, canals and shipping lanes around the world.

Asian shipper pays record US$5.3 million for Panama Canal access

Demand to pass through waterway soars after Iran war upends global trade routes, leaving ships facing 11-day wait.

US, China diplomats clash over tech spying and trade hub claims in Latin America

Weeks before the expected Xi-Trump summit in Washington, officials are trading barbs on social media over the latest competitive arena.

Panama Canal to reduce shipping over El Nino-fuelled drought

Further restrictions on the Atlantic-Pacific waterway are likely due to low water levels in artificial lakes that feed the canal.

India rescues 2 Chinese nationals from sunken cargo ship, searches for others

The Panama-flagged vessel had ‌24 crew on board, including 20 Chinese nationals, according to India’s coastguard.

CK Hutchison’s HK$11.7b Panama ports dispute could take years to resolve

Latest claim by Li Ka-shing family-backed conglomerate and separate subsidiary action bring total demands over the takeover to more than HK$27.3 billion.

US accuses 9 Latin American countries of helping China avoid Trump’s tariffs

More than 40 countries targeted for helping Beijing illegally avoid tariffs by rerouting trade via nations with lower American import duties.

CK Hutchison says ‘forced termination’ of Panama ports cut 1% off throughput

Despite Panama exit, port business’ earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation up 4 per cent to HK$9.03 billion in first half.

CK Hutchison Holdings reports 31-fold surge in first-half profit

Global environment in the first half of 2026 was ‘exceptionally turbulent and uncertain’, says chairman Victor Li Tzar-kuoi.

China’s top court highlights first Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law ruling in Shanghai

Supreme People’s Court says judgment was first to ‘explicitly establish the mandatory application’ of five-year-old law.

US says it has fired on ship in Gulf of Oman to enforce Iranian ports blockade

A US Navy helicopter fired on and disabled the Panama-flagged ship after the crew ignored warnings from US forces, said US Central Command.

China-made vessel carries record EVs in shipment from Shanghai to Europe

A new China-made roll-on, roll-off carrier set a new domestic record for number of vehicles shipped in one voyage.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | Can the US and its allies break China’s grip on rare earths and AI technology?

In an exclusive interview, senior US official says a whole-of-supply-chain strategy is needed to cut dependence on China.

China rejects US, Panamanian claims of ‘weaponising’ ship inspections

Beijing cites data showing Panama-flagged vessels suffered multiple serious accidents in Chinese waters this year.

China’s biotech boom: RAS-targeted drugs challenge US dominance

The rapid development of China’s RAS-targeted cancer drugs could reshape global oncology and unlock the country’s undervalued biotech firms.

Venezuela leader vows ‘no social unrest’ as quakes toll passes 3,300

Delcy Rodriguez defends emergency response amid growing public anger and UN estimates of up to 50,000 missing.

Opinion | US and China must team up to keep maritime trade routes free and safe

Exclusive | Can the US and its allies break China’s grip on rare earths and AI technology?