TOPIC

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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

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

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

Americas and the Caribbean

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

3 Sep 2026 - 2:36PM

US-China relations

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

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

The era of open oceans could be drawing to a close, says academic Di Dongsheng, who urges Beijing to prepare “for struggle in a coming contest over sea power and the security of shipping routes”. Photo: Getty Images

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

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

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

Cargo ships wait to transit the Panama Canal on the Pacific side, in Panama City in March. The Panama Canal will reduce shipping volumes from next month because of a drought fuelled by the El Nino phenomenon. Photo: AFP

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

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

Chinese container ship Cosco Shipping Rose docks at the Panama Canal’s Cocoli locks in Panama City. The White House has accused nine Latin American economies of helping Beijing illegally evade US tariffs by rerouting trade through countries with lower US import duties. Photo: AP

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

Cheung Kong Center II in Central. The conglomerate says overall port throughput fell by 1 per cent year on year to 43.6 million TEUs in the six-month period. Photo: Jelly Tse

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

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

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

The Panama-flagged container ship M/V Vela Nova. On Tuesday, the US Navy said it had fired on the ship after it attempted to break the US blockade of Iran’s ports. Photo: Vladimir Tonic / Handout via Reuters

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

Vehicles prior to shipment to overseas markets at a port in Shanghai, China on July 14. Photo: AP

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

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

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

Chinese biotech and innovative drug firms are rapidly closing the gap with its US rivals as it continues to develop RAS-targeted cancer therapies. Photo: Shutterstock

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

Natural disasters

Fallout from Venezuela’s quakes turns political, as Machado seeks return

Amid growing anger over the government’s disaster response, the exiled Nobel Peace laureate says the country needs ‘figures it can trust’.

4 Jul 2026 - 5:13AMvideocam

US-China relations

America’s first sphere of influence becomes the test of its power at 250

Two centuries after the Monroe Doctrine, China is testing US influence in the hemisphere where it first projected power.

3 Jul 2026 - 11:03PMvideocam

US-China relations

Open Questions | Sun is setting on US dominance of the world, Wu Xinbo says

Fudan University expert says while China’s influence grows, US under Trump has lost credibility and its ability to drive international action has stagnated.

2 Jul 2026 - 4:11PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong is betting on integration with mainland China but what are the risks?

Integration offers strategic gains amid geopolitical tensions with West, but Hong Kong must retain unique qualities for businesses to thrive, executives say.

27 Jun 2026 - 9:02AM

Venezuela

Venezuela earthquakes draw aid from governments that cut ties with Caracas

Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and other governments that suspended relations with the country offer rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

26 Jun 2026 - 8:52PMvideocam

China-India relations

Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

New Delhi says Washington pledged AI access would continue after Anthropic restrictions as the US-led initiative adds new members.

26 Jun 2026 - 4:20AMvideocam

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

US-China relations

Exclusive | US official confirms Chagos talks amid reports Trump may buy strategic islands

Washington in ‘active talks’ to secure Diego Garcia base as White House weighs options, including making an offer to Mauritius.

23 Jun 2026 - 1:58PMvideocam

Diego Garcia has long served as a hub for US and British military operations in the Indian Ocean and Middle East. Photo: Handout

US-China relations

The new Panama? Why Nicaragua could be next front in US-China influence battle

Beijing could move to build an alternative to the Panama Canal in Nicaragua, before the US gets involved, scholar warns.

9 Jun 2026 - 4:19PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Opinion | China’s economic inroads in Latin America are hitting political walls

China’s economic gains in the Americas are real, but Donald Trump’s return to the White House shows that political success is another story.

5 Jun 2026 - 2:23AMvideocam

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Panama

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

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

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.

Fallout from Venezuela’s quakes turns political, as Machado seeks return

Amid growing anger over the government’s disaster response, the exiled Nobel Peace laureate says the country needs ‘figures it can trust’.

America’s first sphere of influence becomes the test of its power at 250

Two centuries after the Monroe Doctrine, China is testing US influence in the hemisphere where it first projected power.

Open Questions | Sun is setting on US dominance of the world, Wu Xinbo says

Fudan University expert says while China’s influence grows, US under Trump has lost credibility and its ability to drive international action has stagnated.

Hong Kong is betting on integration with mainland China but what are the risks?

Integration offers strategic gains amid geopolitical tensions with West, but Hong Kong must retain unique qualities for businesses to thrive, executives say.

Venezuela earthquakes draw aid from governments that cut ties with Caracas

Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and other governments that suspended relations with the country offer rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

New Delhi says Washington pledged AI access would continue after Anthropic restrictions as the US-led initiative adds new members.

Exclusive | US official confirms Chagos talks amid reports Trump may buy strategic islands

Washington in ‘active talks’ to secure Diego Garcia base as White House weighs options, including making an offer to Mauritius.

The new Panama? Why Nicaragua could be next front in US-China influence battle

Beijing could move to build an alternative to the Panama Canal in Nicaragua, before the US gets involved, scholar warns.

Opinion | China’s economic inroads in Latin America are hitting political walls

China’s economic gains in the Americas are real, but Donald Trump’s return to the White House shows that political success is another story.

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?