Panama’s president hits back after China threat in canal ports row

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al JazeeraFebruary 5, 2026 at 07:59 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino rejected China's threat of repercussions after a Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchison, was evicted from operating two ports on the Panama Canal. The eviction followed a ruling by Panama's Supreme Court that CK Hutchison's concession was unconstitutional, a decision criticized by China. President Mulino asserted Panama's commitment to the rule of law and the independence of its judiciary. The situation highlights the ongoing competition between the U.S. and China for influence in Latin America, with the U.S. having pressured Panama to cancel the contract. The Panamanian Foreign Ministry is expected to issue a statement and take further action.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Beijing 40% Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) 50% Hong Kong ×260% United States ×270% Donald Trump ×270% Panama Supreme Court ×270% CK Hutchison ×480% China ×280% Panama Canal ×490% Jose Raul Mulino ×390% Panama ×7100%

Keywords

panama canal 100% china 90% united states 80% port concession 70% rule of law 70% economic threat 60% political threat 60% ck hutchison 60% us-china relations 50% judicial independence 50%