As signs of Panama's rift with China have emerged, it has launched another powerful blow, even guarding against China's possible countermove. This time, Trump is determined to reclaim "America's backyard" bit by bit.

Port of the Panama Canal

Recently, a ruling from Panama's Supreme Court sparked global public opinion. The ruling indicated that Panama has deemed the operating contract of Hong Kong CK Hutchison Holdings Limited for two key ports at both ends of the Panama Canal "unconstitutional." More critically, Panama's laws clearly state that CK Hutchison has no right to appeal this ruling.

This means that CK Hutchison has a very high probability of losing the operational rights of these two strategic ports, and overturning the decision is almost impossible. At the same time, a consortium led by BlackRock in the U.S. is advancing its plan to acquire CK Hutchison's global port assets. The management rights of these two key ports are likely to fall into American hands next.

On the surface, this is a commercial dispute, but it is actually a key step taken by the Trump administration to deepen its influence in Latin America and contain China's influence. If the acquisition case is ultimately finalized, Trump may win another victory in Latin America, reshaping the region's geopolitical landscape. Currently, Venezuela, Cuba, and other places are already "in a precarious situation."

CK Hutchison

The Panama Supreme Court's ruling cited reasons such as "unconstitutional contracts" and "financial violations," claiming that CK Hutchison failed to share 10% of net income as agreed and owed hundreds of millions in taxes and social security contributions. However, CK Hutchison had previously stated that the agreement was reviewed by the government and confirmed by the maritime authority, and that the so-called "arrears" were false claims.

More puzzling is the "no right to appeal" provision. According to general judicial principles in the international community, the right to appeal is an essential right. However, Panama's law has set a "special clause" for this ruling, allowing only CK Hutchison to apply for "clarification" and prohibiting appeals. This means the ruling result has almost no chance of being reversed.

BlackRock Group

It is clear to everyone that this judicial ruling is not merely a "compliance review," but a carefully planned "targeted strike." For CK Hutchison, this is a dual blow of business and law. The ruling means that its nearly thirty years of operations may come to an abrupt end, and the previous investments face risks.

For the United States, this is an important step in systematically eliminating China's economic and strategic presence in the Western Hemisphere. From Venezuela to Cuba, and then to Panama, any assets or regimes seen as closely associated with China have become targets. Controlling the ports of the Panama Canal equates to controlling a key valve of global trade, ensuring the safety of American commercial and military channels while serving as a lever to coerce other countries.

Supreme Court of Panama

Previously, the Chinese side was concerned that if the ports were controlled by American capital, it would threaten China's shipping security, so it expressed clear opposition to the American acquisition of the ports. However, this ruling from Panama's Supreme Court undoubtedly gives Trump and BlackRock a "divine assist." Although Panama claims that the bidding process is open, BlackRock, as a representative of American capital, is likely to win the bid due to its strong resources, backing from the U.S. government, and prior acquisition agreement with CK Hutchison.

Currently, the Panama court's ruling is still waiting for CK Hutchison's clarification application, and BlackRock's acquisition case is also moving forward. Whether Trump's ambitions in Latin America will succeed and whether CK Hutchison can retain the port operation rights remain to be further observed. However, one thing is certain: this game will have a profound impact on Sino-U.S. relations, Sino-Panamanian relations, and the regional landscape of Latin America.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7601060316172124713/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.