US forces Panama to expel Chinese company from key ports
The United States compelled Panama to remove the Chinese group Hutchison from managing the Balboa and Cristobal ports, which hold strategic importance. This development occurs amid escalating tensions between the US and China over control of the Panama Canal.
In January, Panama's Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the contract that allowed Hutchison Panama Ports Company (PPC), a Hutchison subsidiary, to operate these ports. Hutchison responded by calling the Panamanian authorities' actions "illegal." This incident highlights growing geopolitical rivalry in the region.
The next steps may involve internal legal proceedings and diplomatic talks to determine the future management of these crucial port facilities.
