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

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Khushboo Razdan,Igor PatrickJanuary 30, 2026 at 10:06 PM

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The US government is praising a recent ruling by Panama's Supreme Court that cancels a port concession contract held by a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings. The contract involved operating two ports along the Panama Canal. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, view the decision as a positive step in countering Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere. Rubio has previously expressed concerns that Chinese control of ports on both ends of the canal could pose a threat to US interests, potentially allowing Beijing to disrupt waterway traffic. Panama's government is attempting to reassure workers and investors that trade and employment will not be negatively impacted by the ruling.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Mulino ×240% Donald Trump 40% Communist Party of China 50% Hong Kong 60% CK Hutchison Holdings 70% China ×270% Panama Canal ×470% Panama ×680% Marco Rubio ×480% United States ×590%

Keywords

panama canal 100% us-china relations 90% chinese influence 80% port concession 70% ck hutchison 60% marco rubio 50% strategic choke points 50% panama 40% us interests 40%