In the United States Senate, a resolution was introduced urging the Government of Panama to expel officials and companies linked to the People's Republic of China, as well as to end the management of Chinese interests in the ports of Balboa and Cristobal.
The resolution, presented by Senator Eric Schmitt along with other legislators such as Tom Cotton, Roger Marshall, Katie Britt, and Pete Ricketts, emphasizes the strategic importance of the Panama Canal for global trade and the security of the Western Hemisphere. The document highlights that the involvement of Chinese entities, such as Hutchison Ports, which manages the mentioned key ports, represents a threat to Panama's sovereignty and international security.
It also reiterates the impact of China's Belt and Road Initiative, which, according to the senators, fosters disproportionate economic dependency in countries participating in these projects. Among the recommendations of the U.S. Senate are the review and termination of agreements that grant Chinese companies control over strategic infrastructures, the expulsion of Chinese officials linked to port operations and critical infrastructure, and the reaffirmation of the neutrality of the Panama Canal under the terms of the 1977 Neutrality Treaty.
Additionally, it urged the U.S. Government to work closely with Panama, providing technical and financial support for infrastructure projects, monitoring threats to the canal's neutrality, and promoting sustainable and transparent investments that reduce dependency on Chinese funding.
The resolution also proposes establishing a joint task force between the two countries to oversee the security and operations of the canal, thus ensuring stability in the region and freedom of navigation. The document reaffirms the commitment to democratic values and the sovereign governance of Panama, while urging the international community to take action against the exploitation of strategic infrastructure by authoritarian regimes.
The resolution underscores the importance of countering undue foreign influences in the region and urges Panama and its allies to monitor threats from authoritarian regimes seeking to gain strategic advantages. The document was sent to the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, the President of Panama, and the Panamanian National Assembly for their consideration.
