Panama and Beyond: The Geopolitics of Ports

In this paper, we discuss:

•         The growing importance of ports as strategic assets in US-China competition;

•         Panama’s shift away from Chinese-linked operators under rising geopolitical pressure;

•         China’s use of informal economic pressure in response to losing influence;

•         The expansion of Chinese port investments, particularly in Latin America;

•         How control over ports shapes global trade, supply chains, and geopolitical power.

Download PDF: Panama – April 2026