US EditionHong Kong Lodges Protest After Panama Seizes Canal Ports
Panama seized control of the Panama Canal's Balboa and Cristóbal ports after its Supreme Court annulled CK Hutchison's concession, citing urgent social interest and job stability.
- On Monday, Feb 23, 2026, the Panamanian government ordered occupation of the Balboa and Cristobal terminals, authorizing control of cranes, vehicles, computer systems, and software.
- In January, the Supreme Court of Panama ruled the Panama Ports Company concession unconstitutional and annulled its June 2021 extension, with publication in the official gazette finalizing the decision.
- Panama approved two temporary concession contracts with AMP for 18 months, naming APM Terminals Panama for Balboa and TIL/MSC for Cristobal; Labor Minister Jackeline Munoz assured no layoffs for 1,200 employees.
- The seizure imperils a US$23 billion sale to a consortium including BlackRock and MSC, while CK Hutchison Holdings ceased operations and vowed to challenge the takeover at the International Chamber of Commerce .
- The two terminals handle nearly 4 million TEU annually, media reports say CK Hutchison seeks $2 billion in reported damages, highlighting Panama's role in U.S.-China rivalry after President Donald Trump's accusations last year.
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109 Articles
The canal is of great economic and strategic importance as it connects the Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean.
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Nemos News NetworkPanama Seizes China-Linked Ports Amid Trump-Beijing Dispute
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Controversial Panama Port Battle: CK Hutchison vs. State Authorities
CK Hutchison is embroiled in a legal conflict with Panama after its port concessions were annulled, prompting involvement from major global powers, including the U.S. The conglomerate alleges unlawful actions as Panama grants temporary port operations to other companies, assuring these measures aren't expropriation but temporary arrangements.
The Panamanian president, José Raúl Mulino, ordered the temporary occupation of two ports managed by CK Hutchison Holdings, based in Hong Kong, after a ruling by a superior court against the concession of the company, intensifying a dispute that has become an indirect battle between the United States and China in Latin America. Mulino declared in a speech that the administration and operation of the two ports of the strategic Panama Canal will r…
Following a Court Ruling, The Government of Panama Has Taken Back Control Over Both Entrances to the Panama Canal - Cancelled Chinese Contracts
The highest court in Panama has nulled the ‘Chinese’ contract for the operation of both entrance ports on the Panama Canal. The Panamanian government took back control and assigned operations to APM Terminals, a subsidiary of the Danish group A.P. Moller-Maersk. The state takeover comes after a 14-month long saga begun by President Trump who […]
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