Carlo Ernesto de la Lastra, a recognized expert in port and logistics issues, firmly rejects the recent accusations of a supposed militarization of the Panama Canal and Chinese control over this interoceanic route. According to de la Lastra, these claims are unfounded and motivated by political and economic interests, even suggesting that they could be related to resentment following the loss of the Trump hotel in Panama after a legal dispute.
The expert emphasizes that the operations of the Panama Canal are exclusively managed by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), a state entity constitutionally established to ensure the safety and neutrality of the interoceanic route. In fact, the Canal is unique in the world because ships hand over control of the vessel to a Panamanian pilot, which reinforces the independence and professionalism of its administration.
De la Lastra clarifies that the accusations attempt to confuse the operations of the Canal with port activity, which is the responsibility of private concessionaires under the regulation of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP). He highlights that there is no legal relationship between the Canal and the ports, since these are managed according to specific concessions by private actors, and the United States does not have a significant presence in international port consortia.
Regarding the claims of militarization and Chinese control in the Canal, de la Lastra labels them as false and absurd, suggesting that they are part of a media campaign aimed at expelling Chinese investment in Panama to favor American interests. He also links these narratives to the resentment over the loss of the Trump hotel, pointing out that they seek to damage the country's reputation and weaken foreign investment.
For de la Lastra, the Panama Canal and its professional management are examples of sovereignty and neutrality worldwide, emphasizing that the United States has not had naval war presence in the Canal for over 35 years. Additionally, he highlights that Trump's legal claim to regain control of the lost hotel in Panama was rejected, causing discontent in certain sectors.
