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Panama

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Panama. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Panama City

Head of State

President José Raúl Mulino

Head of Government

President José Raúl Mulino

CK Hutchison

Panama orders control of canal ports run by Hong Kong firm after court ruling

The decree authorises the Panama Maritime Authority to occupy the ports, run by CK Hutchison, for ‘reasons of urgent social interest’.

2 hours ago

US-Venezuela conflict

US forces board another tanker in Indian Ocean after tracking it from Caribbean

16 Feb 2026 - 8:33AM

Hutchison’s Panama ports deal

Editorial | Panama’s U-turn on a business deal under pressure dents investor confidence

14 Feb 2026 - 7:15AM

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison pursues ‘all legal options’ on Panama ports, invites consultations

Conglomerate says authorities have ‘advanced steps towards a forced exit’ of Panama Ports Company (PPC) and are preparing to transition port operations.

13 Feb 2026 - 4:25AM

The Panama Ports Company operates two terminals in the strategic canal. Photo: Reuters

China-Latin America relations

China vows to ‘do what it can’ as US blockade leaves Cuba with just weeks of oil

Beijing pledges continued support for Cuba and champions Havana’s sovereignty as the island grapples with worsening fuel shortages.

12 Feb 2026 - 7:38AMvideocam

Hong Kong politics

Ports row prompts Hong Kong investors to reassess stakes in Panama: John Lee

City leader also says Hong Kong government fully supports Beijing’s intention to safeguard rights of Chinese enterprises.

10 Feb 2026 - 8:40PM

China-Latin America relations

China urged to ‘harshly’ punish Panama over court’s canal ruling

Legal analyst says Beijing should ‘consider postponing arrangements’ for Donald Trump’s visit over a ruling against a Hong Kong-based firm.

9 Feb 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

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A Panamanian court has voided CK Hutchison’s contract to run Panama Canal ports. Photo: AP

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison set for hard fight to secure Panama port deal compensation: experts

Subsidiary has requested arbitration after Panamanian authorities voided concession contract but securing damages may be difficult, they warn.

8 Feb 2026 - 11:10PM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong summons Panama envoy over court ruling on CK Hutchison ports concession

Commerce minister Algernon Yau says Panama ruling to strip Li Ka-shing firm’s subsidiary of canal port rights ‘undermines’ trade rules.

7 Feb 2026 - 3:30PM

Hong Kong politics

What’s behind plan to adopt multi-operator model for Panama Canal ports?

Panamanian president reportedly vowed his country will ‘never again’ grant concession contracts to run terminals to single company.

7 Feb 2026 - 6:45PMvideocam

The Port of Balboa, one of two terminals at either end of the Panama Canal controlled by Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison. Photo: EPA

China-Latin America relations

China keeps Cuba and Uruguay in the fold, puts Panama out in the cold

Beijing promises more aid to struggling Havana and cooperation with Montevideo as Washington looks to extend its reach in Latin America.

6 Feb 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla (left) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirm their countries’ ties in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua

US-China relations

The options China could take to deal with ‘serious setback’ over Panama Canal

Beijing has a range of possible options after a contract given to Hong Kong firm CK Hutchison was voided by Panama’s Supreme Court.

6 Feb 2026 - 1:07PMvideocam

Transport and logistics

Panama’s ‘dangerous precedent’: why ports appear pawns as politics top contracts

Panama’s move to void CK Hutchison’s deal fuels fears of broader asset seizures, with analysts warning of rising risks for Chinese operators in the US sphere.

6 Feb 2026 - 12:51AM

China-Latin America relations

Panama president defends ruling after China slams canal port concession decision

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino rejects Chinese criticism, arguing verdict was within Panama’s constitutional and legal framework.

5 Feb 2026 - 1:09AMvideocam

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino emphasised Panama’s commitment to the rule of law and separation of powers after the canal port concession ruling. Photo: AFP

Malaysia

Malaysian waters see return of oil transfer by ‘dark fleet’ of tankers

A crackdown against two vessels off Penang was the first disruption of such a ship-to-ship oil transfer in the state for over 10 years.

4 Feb 2026 - 7:48PMvideocam

A transfer of oil between MT Nora ship (left) and Rcelebra ship (right) off Penang last month. Photo: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency

Hong Kong economy

US ‘pressure’ a challenge in CK Hutchison’s arbitration against Panama: experts

Case could take years to resolve, whether the Hong Kong conglomerate seeks compensation or ruling invalidating the voiding of its contract.

4 Feb 2026 - 6:39PM

US-China relations

Panama ports defeat shows China faces tougher test in Latin America

China pushed back after Panama stripped CK Hutchison of two Panama Canal ports as Beijing contends with more active US competition in Latin America.

5 Feb 2026 - 9:31AM

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison takes Panama to arbitration after court voids canal port rights

Move comes after Beijing called ruling self-sabotaging and warned Panama would pay heavy political and economic price.

4 Feb 2026 - 6:01PM

Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has said it has launched arbitration proceedings to challenge the Panamanian court ruling. Photo: Sam Tsang

China-Australia relations

Why China ties make Darwin Port a bigger test for Australia than Panama

Legal constraints and stronger Beijing-Canberra relations among factors limiting Albanese administration’s options, analysts say.

3 Feb 2026 - 1:58PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison faces limited legal options after Panama voids port rights: experts

Beijing will need to step in if the case is to be brought to an international court in The Hague, legal expert tells SCMP.

2 Feb 2026 - 12:32AM

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison tipped to sell remaining ports despite Panama court ruling: experts

But effort by billionaire Li Ka-shing’s conglomerate will still face scrutiny from Beijing and deal may be re-evaluated, analysts tell SCMP.

31 Jan 2026 - 11:01PM

A container ship is guided by tugboats at a port in Panama. Photo: Reuters

China-Latin America relations

US hails Panama high court ruling against CK Hutchison’s ports concession

Secretary of State Rubio said the decision was encouraging, as it drew support on Capitol Hill and unease among Chinese-linked firms.

31 Jan 2026 - 5:31AMvideocam

The Panama Canal, where CK Hutchison Holdings’ contract was struck down, will operate as normal during the transition. Photo: Getty Images

Hong Kong economy

Beijing, Hong Kong slam Panama court ruling on CK Hutchison ports concession

Supreme Court rules port contract of firm’s subsidiary ‘unconstitutional’.

30 Jan 2026 - 11:25PM

US-China relations

What about Taiwan? Why US foreign policy is now all about the western hemisphere

The State Department skips direct references to the island as it outlines it foreign policy direction for the next five years.

24 Jan 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

United States

Former flight attendant posed as pilot for hundreds of free US trips

Dallas Pokornik, 33, pleaded not guilty to a scheme where he allegedly used forged credentials to board major US airlines.

21 Jan 2026 - 2:00PM

The scammed airlines were based in Honolulu, Chicago and Fort Worth, Texas. Photo: Shutterstock

Open Questions series

Open Questions | China wins if Venezuela ensnares Trump, Mearsheimer says

Maduro’s ‘kidnap’ and naked grab for Venezuela’s oil may leave US bogged down and less able to keep eye on China, political scientist John Mearsheimer says.

16 Jan 2026 - 10:00AMvideocam

US-Venezuela conflict

China is likely to thread the needle after US attack on Venezuela

A wait-and-see strategy is wise, analysts said, given the uncertainty surrounding Venezuela at the moment.

5 Jan 2026 - 11:52PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Venezuela crisis underscores China’s challenges in Latin America

Washington making an example of Maduro as a ‘warning shot’ would create a ‘chilling effect’ across Latin America, observer says.

4 Jan 2026 - 11:01PMvideocam

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Panama

Panama orders control of canal ports run by Hong Kong firm after court ruling

The decree authorises the Panama Maritime Authority to occupy the ports, run by CK Hutchison, for ‘reasons of urgent social interest’.

US forces board another tanker in Indian Ocean after tracking it from Caribbean

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | Panama’s U-turn on a business deal under pressure dents investor confidence

CK Hutchison pursues ‘all legal options’ on Panama ports, invites consultations

Conglomerate says authorities have ‘advanced steps towards a forced exit’ of Panama Ports Company (PPC) and are preparing to transition port operations.

China vows to ‘do what it can’ as US blockade leaves Cuba with just weeks of oil

Beijing pledges continued support for Cuba and champions Havana’s sovereignty as the island grapples with worsening fuel shortages.

Ports row prompts Hong Kong investors to reassess stakes in Panama: John Lee

City leader also says Hong Kong government fully supports Beijing’s intention to safeguard rights of Chinese enterprises.

China urged to ‘harshly’ punish Panama over court’s canal ruling

Legal analyst says Beijing should ‘consider postponing arrangements’ for Donald Trump’s visit over a ruling against a Hong Kong-based firm.

CK Hutchison set for hard fight to secure Panama port deal compensation: experts

Subsidiary has requested arbitration after Panamanian authorities voided concession contract but securing damages may be difficult, they warn.

Hong Kong summons Panama envoy over court ruling on CK Hutchison ports concession

Commerce minister Algernon Yau says Panama ruling to strip Li Ka-shing firm’s subsidiary of canal port rights ‘undermines’ trade rules.

What’s behind plan to adopt multi-operator model for Panama Canal ports?

Panamanian president reportedly vowed his country will ‘never again’ grant concession contracts to run terminals to single company.

China keeps Cuba and Uruguay in the fold, puts Panama out in the cold

Beijing promises more aid to struggling Havana and cooperation with Montevideo as Washington looks to extend its reach in Latin America.

The options China could take to deal with ‘serious setback’ over Panama Canal

Beijing has a range of possible options after a contract given to Hong Kong firm CK Hutchison was voided by Panama’s Supreme Court.

Panama’s ‘dangerous precedent’: why ports appear pawns as politics top contracts

Panama’s move to void CK Hutchison’s deal fuels fears of broader asset seizures, with analysts warning of rising risks for Chinese operators in the US sphere.

Panama president defends ruling after China slams canal port concession decision

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino rejects Chinese criticism, arguing verdict was within Panama’s constitutional and legal framework.

Malaysian waters see return of oil transfer by ‘dark fleet’ of tankers

A crackdown against two vessels off Penang was the first disruption of such a ship-to-ship oil transfer in the state for over 10 years.

US ‘pressure’ a challenge in CK Hutchison’s arbitration against Panama: experts

Case could take years to resolve, whether the Hong Kong conglomerate seeks compensation or ruling invalidating the voiding of its contract.

Panama ports defeat shows China faces tougher test in Latin America

China pushed back after Panama stripped CK Hutchison of two Panama Canal ports as Beijing contends with more active US competition in Latin America.

CK Hutchison takes Panama to arbitration after court voids canal port rights

Move comes after Beijing called ruling self-sabotaging and warned Panama would pay heavy political and economic price.

Why China ties make Darwin Port a bigger test for Australia than Panama

Legal constraints and stronger Beijing-Canberra relations among factors limiting Albanese administration’s options, analysts say.

CK Hutchison faces limited legal options after Panama voids port rights: experts

Beijing will need to step in if the case is to be brought to an international court in The Hague, legal expert tells SCMP.

CK Hutchison tipped to sell remaining ports despite Panama court ruling: experts

But effort by billionaire Li Ka-shing’s conglomerate will still face scrutiny from Beijing and deal may be re-evaluated, analysts tell SCMP.

US hails Panama high court ruling against CK Hutchison’s ports concession

Secretary of State Rubio said the decision was encouraging, as it drew support on Capitol Hill and unease among Chinese-linked firms.

Beijing, Hong Kong slam Panama court ruling on CK Hutchison ports concession

Supreme Court rules port contract of firm’s subsidiary ‘unconstitutional’.

What about Taiwan? Why US foreign policy is now all about the western hemisphere

The State Department skips direct references to the island as it outlines it foreign policy direction for the next five years.

Former flight attendant posed as pilot for hundreds of free US trips

Dallas Pokornik, 33, pleaded not guilty to a scheme where he allegedly used forged credentials to board major US airlines.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Open Questions | China wins if Venezuela ensnares Trump, Mearsheimer says

Maduro’s ‘kidnap’ and naked grab for Venezuela’s oil may leave US bogged down and less able to keep eye on China, political scientist John Mearsheimer says.

China is likely to thread the needle after US attack on Venezuela

A wait-and-see strategy is wise, analysts said, given the uncertainty surrounding Venezuela at the moment.

Venezuela crisis underscores China’s challenges in Latin America

Washington making an example of Maduro as a ‘warning shot’ would create a ‘chilling effect’ across Latin America, observer says.

Editorial | Panama’s U-turn on a business deal under pressure dents investor confidence

Open Questions | China wins if Venezuela ensnares Trump, Mearsheimer says