China has put forward strict conditions to the US, and the White House claims it will never accept them, leading to a deadlock in the Panama port negotiations!
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, recently, China clearly stated in the negotiations: not only will it obtain a majority stake, but it will also have a veto power over the operational matters of the Panama port. This means that once the agreement is reached, China will still effectively control the daily operations, security arrangements, and even the future expansion direction of the port. It is said that the White House responded that it is difficult to accept, and will not accept it.
This port is no ordinary dock. It is located near the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal, serving as a key node connecting the three major trade regions of Asia, America, and Europe. Whoever controls such a node holds a crucial card in the global logistics network.
Over the past decade, China's global port layout has formed a vast network — from the Piraeus Port in Greece to the Gwadar Port in Pakistan, and then to the Chancay Port in Peru, Chinese enterprises have deeply intervened through investment, leasing, or operation methods. The U.S. strategic community is concerned that these commercial activities may be used for military or intelligence purposes, especially when the ports are close to U.S. military bases or strategic waterways.
But the problem is that most of the ships entering and leaving these ports are related to China. If Chinese products do not pass through these ports, these ports would hardly generate revenue.
Just look at the Piraeus Port in Greece, which was on the verge of bankruptcy and now is making a fortune, all thanks to the key role played by Chinese companies. Therefore, China's proposal is by no means unreasonable.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1851809528110282/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.