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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

last updated:

27 September, 2024

Demonstrators protest outside the US embassy in Panama City on December 24. Photo: AFP

Donald Trump

‘Canal is Panamanian’: president rebuffs Trump, denies Chinese interference

President Mulino said the ‘canal is Panamanian and there’s no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality’.

27 Dec 2024 - 11:11AM

Donald Trump

Trump names envoy to Panama after urging US reassert control over canal

27 Dec 2024 - 6:45AM

Donald Trump

Trump takes aim at Canada, China, ‘left lunatics’ in Christmas wishes

26 Dec 2024 - 9:56AM

Donald Trump

‘It’s hard to tell’: is Trump serious about Greenland, Panama Canal?

Experts say US president-elect’s rhetoric could be a ‘message’ for China, which has increased its influence in Latin America and the Arctic.

24 Dec 2024 - 12:26PMvideocam

Tourists watch a cargo ship transit through the Panama Canal in Panama City on December 23. Photo: AFP

Donald Trump

Trump threatens to retake control of Panama Canal unless deal reached on rates

US president-elect also warned of potential Chinese influence on the passage, saying the canal should not be managed by China.

23 Dec 2024 - 7:17AM

Americas and the Caribbean

Fewer migrants risk Darién Gap following Panama crackdown

The number of migrants walking through the jungles of Colombia and Panama en route to the US has fallen in recent weeks.

31 Aug 2024 - 10:58PM

Americas and the Caribbean

Panama unveils deportation flights to China, India to stem US-bound migration

For years, would-be migrants from South America and beyond have sought to cross the dangerous Darién Gap jungle on their way to the US.

23 Aug 2024 - 1:45AMvideocam

A member of Panama’s Tactical Aeronaval Operations group watches as migrants are deported to Colombia from Panama City on Tuesday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Americas and the Caribbean

Panama dismantles ‘VIP’ Chinese migrant route in Darien jungle, a route to US border

In recent years, Chinese migrants have become the fourth-largest group by nationality to use the dangerous jungle crossing.

8 Aug 2024 - 9:07AMvideocam

Venezuela

Venezuela opposition leader Machado is in ‘hiding, fearing for my life’

In Wall Street Journal, Machado wrote: ‘I could be captured as I write these words.’ President Maduro has said she ‘should be behind bars’.

2 Aug 2024 - 7:29AM

Malaysia

Tankers that caught fire near Singapore now anchored in Malaysian waters

An investigation into the collision between the Singapore-flagged Hafnia Nile and the Sao Tome- and Principe-flagged Ceres I is ongoing, Malaysia’s Marine Department said.

30 Jul 2024 - 5:17PM

Two large oil tankers that collided and caught fire near Singapore are now anchored in Malaysian waters. Photo: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement/AFP

Venezuela

Venezuela votes amid fears that Maduro will ‘steal the election’

Caracas has blocked several international observers for the election including four ex-presidents.

28 Jul 2024 - 4:04PM

People walk past in front of a mural of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas. Photo: AP

Americas and the Caribbean

Concern grows as Venezuela blocks election observers amid ‘bloodbath’ threat

It is the latest blow to an already fraught election run-up, where Socialist, Nicolas Maduro, will seek a third six-year term amid accusations of opposition harassment by an increasingly authoritarian regime.

27 Jul 2024 - 11:22AM

Singapore

Singapore, shipowner to transfer oil cargo from fire-hit tanker

The Singapore-flagged tanker Hafnia Nile and the Sao Tome and Principe-flagged tanker Ceres I collided and caught fire on July 19.

24 Jul 2024 - 11:11PM

Malaysia

Missing oil tanker has ‘gone dark’ before, Singapore Air Force rescues some crew

Malaysia’s coastguard said that one of two large oil tankers involved in a fiery collision had left the site of the accident and was believed to have turned off its tracking system.

22 Jul 2024 - 10:48AM

Singapore

Oil tankers collision off Singapore Strait spotlight perils of dark fleet ships

The incident raises questions over the risks to maritime traffic, the environment and human lives in one of the world’s busiest waterways.

19 Jul 2024 - 8:43PMvideocam

Two crew members of the tankers were airlifted to hospital and others rescued from life rafts. Photo: Singapore Navy/Handout via Reuters

US-China relations

Blinken announces US initiative to produce semiconductors in Latin America

The effort, intended to counter China, will expand chip manufacturing in Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, and possibly other countries in the future.

18 Jul 2024 - 6:21AM

Hong Kong society

Explainer | What to know about overseas hikes after Hongkonger dies on Japan’s Mount Fuji

After death of civil servant, 58, the Post answers key questions about some popular destinations and what precautions to take.

11 Jul 2024 - 8:52AMvideocam

China-Russia relations

Why Russia is ‘significantly more motivated’ than China to develop Arctic route

Moscow is keen to develop the Northern Sea Route to counteract sanctions, and is ‘significantly more motivated than China’.

2 Jul 2024 - 5:10PMvideocam

Russia is looking for ways to boost the amount of shipping using the Arctic. Photo: Shutterstock

Banking & finance

Chinese banks follow belt road to expand loan book amid tight liquidity at home

Chinese banks are heading overseas to extend yuan loans to fund Belt and Road Initiative projects

1 Jul 2024 - 6:00AM

United States

US’ Tim Weah suffers racist abuse after red card in Copa America loss to Panama

Weah, who is Black, was sent off in the 18th minute after punching a Panama player and the United States went onto lose, leaving their qualification hopes in jeopardy.

28 Jun 2024 - 1:00PM

Americas and the Caribbean

US jails ex-Honduras president for 45 years on drugs charges

Juan Orlando Hernandez, 55, will likely die behind bars for engaging in a drug-trafficking conspiracy that sent massive amounts of cocaine to the United States.

27 Jun 2024 - 12:10PM

Former Honduras president Juan Orlando Hernandez is sentenced in US federal court in New York on Wednesday. Courtroom sketch: Jane Rosenberg via Reuters

Brazil

Messi’s Argentina to defend Copa America in US as Uruguay, Brazil await

Everything you need to know as the oldest continental tournament in world football kicks off for its 48th edition, 108 years on from its debut campaign.

21 Jun 2024 - 1:31AM

Lionel Messi and Argentina are looking to defend the Copa America crown they won in 2021 against the hosts, Brazil. Photo: AP

United States

My Take | America’s banana imperialism still haunts the world

US$38.3 million ruling for Colombian victims has been ordered against Chiquita, one of the world’s largest banana producers that traced its dark history back to the infamous United Fruit Company.

13 Jun 2024 - 9:00PM

Malaysia 1MDB scandal

Rosmah’s US$346 million 1MDB haul came from Hong Kong, US, UAE: Malaysia court

The wife of jailed former prime minister Najib Razak is accused of using money from the plundered state fund to buy luxury goods.

12 Jun 2024 - 2:29PMvideocam

Food and Drinks

Where a Panamanian in Hong Kong goes for a taste of Latin America

Panama native Divya Tourani knows where to find great Latin food in Hong Kong. The home decor seller shares where she goes for relaxed fine dining, steak ‘cooked to perfection’ and a taste of Bangkok.

5 Jun 2024 - 12:45PM

Humita, a South American dish featuring corn and aromatic spices, at Muchachos, the Hong Kong private kitchen where Panama native Divya Tourani goes for “excellent” Latin food. The home décor seller also shares where she goes for dim sum, Thai food and more. Photo: Instagram/@muchachoshk

Malaysia

Forget land bridge, Thailand urged to reconnect with Malaysia via rail links

Transport Minister Anthony Loke wants Malaysia to tap into Thailand’s rail network and connect all the way to Laos and China.

25 May 2024 - 4:12PM

Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke (right) standing before the fenced-off Friendship Bridge connecting Malaysia to Thailand. Photo: Hadi Azmi

Cambodia

Asian Angle | How Cambodia can ease concerns about its US$1.7 billion China-backed canal

The 180km Funan Techo Canal project has the potential to supercharge Cambodia’s economy. But lingering socio-economic, environmental and security concerns remain.

18 May 2024 - 11:00AM

US-China relations

Hong Kong firm’s Panama Canal port management poses risks, US House panel hears

Hutchison Ports’ ties to Beijing could lead to delays in American civilian and military shipping in case of a conflict with Taiwan, among other problems, says US lawmaker.

17 May 2024 - 5:44AMvideocam

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