They include two key terminals on the Panama Canal – one at either end – a concession that the Central American nation’s Supreme Court deemed unconstitutionalin a ruling late last month. Chinese leader Xi Jinping stands at the Cocoli locks in the Panama Canal during a state visit in 2018. That ruling, which found that the contract awarded to Hutchison’s Panama Ports Company violated Panama’s constitution and follows the official audit, again raises frictions. Hutchison Ports’ Panama Ports Company on Tuesday said it has launched arbitration against Panama, framing the ruling as part of a state “campaign” against it. Sailors wave the China and Panama flags during Chinese leader Xi Jinping visit to the canal in 2018.

Source: Egypt Independent February 06, 2026 01:44 UTC