Hong Kong lodges 'strong protest' after Panama takes control of canal ports

BBC News - WorldEN 2 min read 100% complete February 24, 2026 at 01:16 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Hong Kong has formally complained to Panama's government after it took control of two ports on the Panama Canal, accusing the Panamanian authorities of taking them over by force. The ports had been run by a Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchison, for more than two decades. Last month, Panama's Supreme Court annulled the contracts allowing the firm to operate the container ports, citing them as "unconstitutional". The move has disrupted a planned $22.8bn sale of the ports to a US investment firm. The complaint comes amid controversy over China's alleged control of the canal, with US President Donald Trump claiming it was under Chinese operation during his inauguration address last January. The Panama Canal Authority operates the waterway, which handles about 5% of global maritime trade volume.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Marco Rubio 40% Panama Canal Authority 40% BlackRock 50% United States ×250% China ×460% Donald Trump ×260% CK Hutchison 70% Panama Canal ×680% Hong Kong ×690% Panama ×890%

Keywords

panama canal 100% port control 80% hong kong 70% international trade 60% china influence 60% contract annulment 50% maritime trade 40% us investment 40%