Panama Boots China from the Canal || Feb. 27, 2026
Panama has taken control of the port facilities previously run by a Chinese company after the courts ruled the original contracts were secured through bribes. This move reaffirms U.S.–Panama relations, as a U.S. ally is now operating the ports.
While the ports weren't a direct military threat, they are strategically significant. So, removing China from the equation makes Chinese activity in the region that much more difficult, especially as the U.S. Navy begins to step away from its role as global protector of the sea lanes.
This move is a great example of using legal pressure to reshape outcomes and affirm U.S. soft power. While I'm not sure this administration can replicate this success elsewhere, let's see how well the U.S. can sustain and expand power across Latin America.
Comments (23)
PZ is really a pro US spokesman for the big war machine ruling over others in one way or another. Very little weighting of what is democratic and perhaps outside the US legal system.
Over 6000 tariff changes in the last year... Gobsmacking. When are the adults taking back control?
"Touché, Denmark. Touché."- US CENTCOM (probably)
I feel for China here. Basically had there money taken away just because courts ultimately devolve into serving themselves. Reminds me of these crazy speeding tickets you can get. And if it was found that bribing was prevalent, there should be investigations into those people. Typically this has to be done before hand, but once again we see Seize now Prove later. Buy now Pay never,
Before you feel sorry for them, ask yourself "what was their original motivation?"
Will CK Hutchison have to repay the billions of dollars in fees that they did not pay for the past decade or so? Will US corporation be allowed to own and manage the ports in the future?
I think it would be better for Panama, itself, to manage the canal facilities. What needs to happen to do that?
Get elected, Ed. Then, send the USS Ford.
Every Central and South American country has billions of loans from the Chinese. These loans build infrastructure for every folks to have jobs. (Legal and illegal). The Panama Canal is low hanging fruit. Good luck with the rest.
For Chinese folks to have jobs. The infrastructure is not built by the locals
Getting a country to do it for you...like Israel is doing to the US right now with Iran?
One of the more humorous clips from PZ, I enjoyed it
Now talk about collapse of rusky oil into Europe- or anywhere -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSJEdyYCBGg
Will a Ford class carrier fit through the canal
No. Our Nimitz/Ford class carriers are too large (specifically the flight deck over-hang)
And we’ve got the biggest tool….in the Whitehouse. Haha
Just back from a month in Panama, which we visit every year. The changes over the past two years are striking—major infrastructure projects, significant new housing (not just tourist developments), and a clear increase in tourism. I’d go so far as to say Panama may be the safest and most successful Latin American country north of Brazil. It would be great if Peter could do a more detailed analysis of Panama for us.
The Chinese never wanted to completely remake the international system, they just wanted to reshape it so it was more favorable to China, under the US built order. Agree with PZ, this is order is almost gone and now it remains to be seen how the Chinese will change their strategy. Looking at 2027.
I wonder when drones will come into play in this commercial naval security issue. I imagine that they are far cheaper than say hiring a frigate or destroyer to watch your back, but I am not sure how effective they can be in tactical terms.
Got some big hair going on there Peter. :-)
That’s priceless that maersk now took over 😂😂😂
When do we get to the point where the US offers security benefits (naval escorts?) to allies and key partners and let's everyone else pound sand? The security environment will have to degrade substantially for that to be compelling so the US will want to encourage piracy/attacks to drive people back into the US camp... Buckle up, buckaroo!
You want the US Navy ships to provide security escorts for commercial shipping cause they have nothing better to do? Not nearly enough of them, and cost would be prohibitive.