US-China Relations Analyst Leland Lazarus stated, 'China needs Panama more than Panama needs China.' He noted that China is currently Panama's second most important economic partner and that the Canal is vital for Chinese trade. Lazarus presented a critical analysis of Beijing's influence in the country, the Canal, and strategic sectors such as ports. He focused on the Panama Canal and port operations associated with Chinese companies. Lazarus also cited the 2017 Chinese law that requires companies to provide information if the government requests it. He emphasized that Panama wins when it diversifies but loses when it lets its guard down. Lazarus also addressed the topic of corruption, mentioning well-known cases in the Panamanian public debate. He also touched upon technology, specifically 5G and Huawei, expressing concern about personal data collection. Finally, Lazarus stated that Panama needs options, mechanisms for evaluating foreign investment in critical infrastructure, and a vigilant press.
