In 1997, when the Panama Canal was still under the administration of the United States, Chinese companies such as Hutchison Port Holdings began operating two ports located near this important interoceanic route. This presence has raised concerns in the United States about China's influence in the region and the security of the infrastructure.
According to experts, the concern of the United States lies in the fear that China could use its influence in the ports near the Panama Canal to obtain strategic information or even interfere with the functioning of the interoceanic route in the event of an international conflict. Additionally, there is concern about the increasing Chinese presence in a region that has traditionally been considered part of the United States' sphere of influence.
Chinese companies have stated that their presence in these ports is based on trade and cooperation agreements with Panama, and that their aim is to contribute to the economic and logistical development of the region. For their part, Panamanian authorities have asserted that they maintain strict control over the operations of the ports and will not allow them to be used for activities that jeopardize the security of the Panama Canal.
In light of this situation, the United States has sought to bolster its presence in the region and promote alliances with Latin American countries to counter Chinese influence. However, the presence of Chinese companies in ports near the Panama Canal continues to generate tensions and poses new challenges in the geopolitics of the region.
