Security & Strategic Review - March 2026

A 29 January ruling by Panama’s supreme court (CSJ) striking down a concession for two ports on the Panama Canal owned by Hong Kong-headquartered CK Hutchison Holdings (CKH) via its subsidiary Panama Ports Company (PPC) is widely considered a victory for the US, which has sought to curb Chinese influence in the region. It comes amid renewed signs of US-Panama cooperation after tensions last year stemming from President Donald Trump’s threat to retake control of the Panama Canal, citing Chinese influence, among other factors [SSR-25-02].