Panama Audits Panama Ports Company Amid Trump's Threats and UN Complaint Over Canal Control

Jan 21, 2025, 09:39 PM

Panama has initiated an audit of the Panama Ports Company, a Hong Kong-linked subsidiary of Hutchison Ports that operates the ports of Balboa and Cristobal near the Panama Canal, following threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to reclaim control of the waterway. Trump, during his inaugural address, accused Panama of breaking promises related to the canal's transfer in 1999 and claimed that China was effectively operating it. In response, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected Trump's assertions, emphasizing that the canal is and will remain under Panamanian control. Panama has also lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations, citing concerns over Trump's threats as a violation of the UN Charter. The audit targets the Panama Ports Company to ensure transparency and compliance with concession agreements, amidst heightened tensions with the U.S. over the canal's management and operations.