With Iran now dictating terms on the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. President Donald Trump seemingly tried to deflect attention. Claiming that China is trying to seize control of the Panama canal, he slammed the 1977 decision of U.S. to cede control of this strategic waterway to the local government. The Panama canal is of vital importance for America as 40% of U.S. container traffic passes through it.


Trump dubs giving away Panama canal 'stupid mistake', tries to deflect from Hormuz mess

Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado held a massive rally in Panama City on the weekend of May 23-24, 2026. She announced her intention to run for president again and vowed to return to Venezuela from exile before the end of the year to lead a democratic transition. 


Venezuela Opposition Leader Holds a Massive Rally in Panama

Panama's Supreme Court has ruled against CK Hutchison's port concessions near the Panama Canal, forcing the sale of remaining assets amid US pressure to curb Chinese influence, aligning with President Trump's push for tighter American oversight.



Panama Port Ruling: U.S. Rivalry Claims Canal Ports: Hutchison Forced to Sell 

Arraiján Mayor Stefany Peñalba justified the demolition, announced on December 28, 2025, via a social media post, as a “preventive and technical” decision to enhance the site for tourism. 

Demolition of Chinese monument in Panama sparks Beijing anger

China on Monday condemned the demolition of a monument honoring the Chinese community in Panama, the latest development as the Trump administration pushes for the Central American nation to distance itself from Beijing.

Panama’s president echoed the condemnation, blaming local authorities and pledging that the monument would be rebuilt.

Chinese Monument Demolished in Panama, China Calls For Investigation

Their airspace remains unpatrolled by high-speed jets, yet their sovereignty and safety are maintained through careful planning and international cooperation.

7 countries that don’t own a single fighter jet. Here’s why

Tensions flared as nine Panamanian lawmakers joined the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), a move supported by the US ambassador and sharply condemned by Beijing. China accused Washington of bullying and manipulating Latin American politics to contain Chinese influence. The war of words escalates with accusations over debt diplomacy, cyberattacks, and sovereignty. What does this mean for US-China relations in Latin America?

Beijing hits back as Panama joins Anti-China alliance | US blamed for meddling

US and Panama forces have launched joint military drills aimed at safeguarding the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most critical trade routes.

US, Panama forces hold joint drills to protect strategic Panama Canal

State of emergency declared in Panama over labour strikes as Indian delegation onsite for Operation Sindoor outreach

'State of emergency' declared in Panama over labour strikes as Indian delegation onsite for Operation Sindoor outreach

The Panama Canal is now at the center of a new flashpoint between the U.S. and China. The Pentagon has issued a stark warning about Chinese influence, prompting an angry retort from Beijing. Here’s how the geopolitics are unfolding over one of the world’s most crucial waterways.

Pentagon flags "China threat" at Panama Canal, Beijing fires back

#GRAVITAS |  U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is in Panama to meet with the country's leaders. This is after the Trump administration complained about alleged Chinese interference with the operations of the critical Panama Canal shipping lane. Watch this video to find out more.

Hegseth holds talks in Panama amid Trump's takeover threat

World | Hegseth met with Panama President José Raúl Mulino before heading to a ribbon-cutting for a new US-financed dock at the Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Naval Base.

US ‘will not allow’ Chinese influence over Panama Canal: Defense Secretary Hegseth

Sports, Football: The result sends Panama into Sunday's final, where they will face Mexico, who completed a 2-0 victory over Canada in Thursday's other semi-final.

Panama stuns defending champions USA to reach Nations League Final

World | BlackRock has agreed to buy the ports from their Hong Kong-based owner CK Hutchison as part of a $22.8bn deal, allowing the US consortium control of the major parts of the canal.

‘Reclaiming Panama Canal’: Trump praises BlackRock’s deal to buy major ports

Panama has denied accusations of detaining migrants against their will after individuals were seen holding signs pleading for help from hotel windows. Public Security Minister Abrego stated that the migrants, including those from China, India, Iran, and Vietnam, are in custody for their own protection. Panama had previously agreed to act as a bridge for deportees from the US.

US deportation: Panama denies migrants held against will amid protests

US deportation: Migrants not being deprived of freedom: Panama

Panama is choosing a side; it has bowed down to pressure from Donald Trump. The South American nation has said that it is pulling out of China's Belt and Road Initiative and has given Beijing a 90-day notice of its decision not to renew its involvement in the initiative. Watch in for more details!

Panama officially conveys BRI pullout notice to China

Panama has officially withdrawn from China's Belt and Road Initiative, saying that it will not renew the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to join China’s overseas development initiative. Watch this report for more details!

Panama pulls out of China's belt and road initiative amid tensions

Panama ends Belt and Road Deal with China amid US pressure

World | Trump also said China is running the critical waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, violating the agreement as it was not given to China. 

‘Something very powerful is going to happen’: Trump threatens to take Panama Canal

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has kicked off his first official foreign trip with a stop in Panama, a longtime US ally shaken by President Donald Trump’s extraordinary threat to seize the Panama Canal. Watch this report for more details!

US Secretary of State Rubio meets Panama President amid Trump's Canal threat

In his inauguration speech, Donald Trump declared that the U.S. would reclaim control of the Panama Canal, signaling a shift in foreign policy and international relations.

Donald Trump Says US Is 'Taking Back' Panama Canal In Inauguration Address

The 47th President of the United States, Judge, has ambitious plans for the country even before taking office. President-elect Donald Trump has stated his plans to make America great again, even if it means taking control of other territories. In a headline-grabbing press conference on Tuesday, Trump threatened military action to...

US President-elect Donald Trump calls Greenland & Panama Canal critical to US

Tonight on Gravitas, we do a deep into Donald Trump's daring proposal to expand U.S. territory to include Canada, and Greenland. What drives Trump’s desire to make Canada the 51st state and "Make Greenland Great Again"? Why is he pushing for an open border with Canada? How are Canada and Greenland responding to these expansion plans? What are the potential benefits for Trump and the U.S.?

America becomes Trumperica: Grab for Canada, Greenland is battle for wealth not wasteland

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