Panama’s audit of a Hong Kong company, which operates ports at the country’s canal, aims to provide a robust framework to counter US President Donald Trump’s claims that China controls the waterway, the Post has learned.
“The [Panama government] needs concrete data to counter this ‘China is controlling the canal’ narrative,” a source said on Tuesday.
The insider added that auditing Hutchison Port Holdings would also allow the administration to review a concession signed by Panama’s former president, Laurentino Cortizo.
According to a Panamanian newspaper, the review will also scrutinise a 2023 renewal of Hutchison’s 25-year concession contract, which has been criticised for lacking transparency and drawing limited economic benefits to Panama.
The audit was launched amid heightened international tensions following Trump’s inauguration, during which he declared his intention to regain control of the Panama Canal.
Trump repeatedly argued that Panama’s agreement enabled China to profit, framing it as a threat to the security and commerce interests of the United States.