Trump Administration Pushes Military and Corporate Moves to Regain Influence Over Panama Canal

The White House explores military options while BlackRock acquires key canal ports, intensifying U.S.-China rivalry.

President Trump has directed the U.S. military to draft plans to increase its presence in Panama, including potential collaboration with Panamanian forces or, less likely, a forceful seizure of the Panama Canal.
BlackRock, in partnership with other firms, has acquired ports on both sides of the Panama Canal as part of a $22.8 billion global deal, boosting U.S. corporate control over critical infrastructure.
The Trump administration views these moves as part of a broader strategy to counter China's growing influence in Latin America, particularly near the canal, a key global trade route.
The Panama Canal's neutrality, enshrined in Panama's Constitution, has been defended by the Panamanian government, which denies any foreign interference or ceding control to China.
This development reflects a shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing corporate and military dominance over strategic assets in the face of heightened competition with China.