China gains foothold in Panama as US presence dwindles

In Panama City, Panama, concerns have been raised about the increasing influence of China as the United States' presence weakens. Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, led a delegation including Victoria Coates and Andrés Martínez-Fernández to meet with Panamanian leaders, including Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha and President José Raúl Mulino. They discussed the implications of China's growing economic interests in the region, especially related to infrastructure projects. Roberts emphasized that U.S. conservatives view any country that collaborates with China as an adversary, calling for greater awareness of the potential threats posed by China's involvement. The discussions highlighted the historical context of the Panama Canal, which the U.S. built and later transferred control to Panama in 1999. President Jimmy Carter's administration facilitated this transfer through a treaty. Despite claims from former President Donald Trump that China operates the canal, Mulino insisted that the canal is under Panamanian control. However, Roberts indicated that China holds significant economic sway in Panama through investments in various infrastructure projects, including the construction of a fourth bridge over the canal and an extension of the Panama City Metro. In 2017, Panama established diplomatic ties with China, further facilitating Chinese investments in the country. Recent developments include concerns regarding a canal port deal involving CK Hutchison, a Hong Kong conglomerate, which has received scrutiny from Beijing. The deal involves the sale of port holdings to BlackRock, an American asset management firm, raising questions about the implications for U.S.-China relations in the region. As these developments unfold, Roberts advocated for ongoing dialogue between Mulino and U.S. leaders, suggesting that shared values could foster a cooperative relationship. The delegation's visit underscores the broader geopolitical landscape in Latin America, where U.S. influence is perceived to be waning, leaving a vacuum for countries like China to fill. Roberts urged Panamanian leaders to be cautious of the implications of continued collaboration with China, stressing that it could jeopardize U.S. national security interests. This evolving situation raises critical questions about the future of U.S.-Panama relations and the strategic importance of the Panama Canal as a global shipping route. As these dynamics play out, it remains to be seen how both nations will navigate the complexities of international partnerships in the face of China's growing presence.