- US Lawmakers Warn of Beijing’s Strategic Hold on Global Waterways.
- China’s Port Investments: A Growing Threat to US Naval Mobility.
- Panama Canal Audit ‘Not Enough,’ Say US Officials.
Chinese and Hong Kong companies’ ownership of strategic infrastructure on the Panama Canal and other Western Hemisphere ports has alarmed Washington about Beijing’s increasing influence, reports ANI.
Strategic Concerns Over Panama Canal Control
Chairman Carlos Jimenez of the US House of Representatives Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security warned during a recent hearing that Beijing holds “a strategic position over one of the world’s most important waterways,” according to Radio Free Asia (RFA). He cautioned that this control allows the Chinese Communist Party “to exert influence over commercial shipping, gather intelligence on American and Allied vessel traffic, and potentially restrict the mobility of our Navy in a time of crisis.”
China’s Massive Port Investments
China either owns or controls over half of the key container ports beyond its borders, according to testimony by experts reported by RFA. This has led US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to issue a warning to Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, threatening possible American action if Chinese control of the canal is not diminished.
Panama’s Response: Port Audit Announcement
The government of Panama recently announced an audit of ports owned by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing’s CK Hutchison conglomerate. However, Jimenez argued, “While Panama has recently announced an audit of Hutchison ports, that’s simply not enough.” Rubio added, “We don’t need an audit. We need action.”
US Calls for Decisive Action
Rubio emphasized the United States’ stance: “The United States cannot and will not accept the scenario where a foreign adversary, one that openly seeks to undermine our global standing, controls infrastructure critical to us, homeland security, military readiness, and economic stability.” He also urged US allies to distance themselves from Chinese state-owned enterprises.
Security Threats Highlighted
Former CIA analyst Matthew Kroenig testified that China’s port investments in locations like Peru and Panama “pose several threats to US homeland security.” He warned that “China could restrict or block access to ports, threatening American trade and economic wellbeing.” Kroenig further highlighted potential military risks, stating, “In the event of a crisis or war, China could hinder the passage of American naval vessels, undermining American war plans.”
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Source: ANI
