Archive · 1 Jan 2026
China Resists US Pressure in Latin America
China and the United States are having a disagreement about who should control some important ports at the Panama Canal.
The United States was happy when a group backed by BlackRock announced a deal to take control of these ports from a Hong Kong company.
However, China has been putting pressure to change the deal so that a Chinese company, Cosco, gets control instead.
This shows that China is not willing to give up its influence in Latin America to the United States.
The ports have been managed by the Hong Kong company since 1996, and the deal was announced in March 2024.
China is resisting US pressure to reduce its influence in Latin America.
A BlackRock-backed group announced a deal to take control of container handling ports at the Panama Canal from a Hong Kong company.
China is pressuring the deal to be restructured so that Cosco, a Chinese shipping group, gains control.
The ports have been managed by the Hong Kong company since 1996.
The deal was announced in March 2024 and appeared designed to appease the US.
- Who
- China, United States, Panama
- What
- Dispute over control of container handling ports at the Panama Canal
- When
- March 2024 (deal announced), ongoing
- Where
- Panama Canal, Latin America
- Why
- Strategic and economic interests in the region
- Country Involved
- China, United States, Panama
- Ports Involved
- Container handling ports at Panama Canal
- Current Manager
- Hong Kong company
- Proposed Buyer
- BlackRock-backed group
- Chinese Influence
- Cosco shipping group
- Deal Announcement
- March 2024
- Management Duration
- Since 1996