Urges Panama to limit China's influence by expelling Chinese officials and terminating Chinese management of key ports, while also urging the U.S. to use the Neutrality Treaty to counter foreign influence and support Panama in asserting its sovereignty over critical infrastructure.
Jodey Arrington
Representative
TX-19
This resolution expresses concern over China's growing influence in Panama, particularly through infrastructure projects and the management of key ports. It urges Panama to expel Chinese officials and terminate agreements that allow Chinese entities to control strategic infrastructure. The resolution also calls on the U.S. government to utilize the Neutrality Treaty to counter foreign influence, provide support to Panama, and explore a U.S.-Panama partnership to restore operational control of the Panama Canal. It seeks to safeguard the Panama Canal's neutrality, Western Hemisphere security, and U.S. national interests.
Panama Canal Under Siege? New Bill Demands China's Expulsion from Key Ports
This resolution is basically a blaring alarm bell about China's growing grip on Panama, especially around the Panama Canal—a critical artery for global trade and, frankly, a big deal for U.S. security. The bill flat-out calls for Panama to kick out Chinese officials and ditch contracts that let Chinese companies manage major ports like Balboa and Cristobal.
China's Out, Who's In?
The core of this resolution is a one-two punch. First, it urges Panama to reclaim control of its critical infrastructure, specifically citing the need to "review and end agreements" that give Chinese entities a foothold. Section 4(a)(2). This isn't just about business; it's framed as a matter of national sovereignty and security for Panama and the entire Western Hemisphere. Second, it pushes the U.S. to step up—big time. We're talking about using the 1977 Neutrality Treaty (which lets the U.S. intervene to keep the canal open) to actively counter China's influence, offering Panama financial and technical aid, and even setting up a joint U.S.-Panama task force to oversee canal security and operations. Section 5(a-d).
Real-World Ripple Effects
Imagine you're a shipping company that relies on the Panama Canal. If control shifts or becomes unstable, your costs could skyrocket. Or picture a small business owner in Panama suddenly facing new regulations or a change in who runs the ports—that's uncertainty you don't need. And for the average American? This could mean higher prices on goods if shipping gets disrupted. The bill highlights that the original construction cost of the canal was $375,000,000, which translates to over $10,000,000,000 today, underscoring the massive investment already at stake. Section 1(1).
The Bigger Picture: More Than Just Ports
This resolution taps into a much larger tug-of-war between the U.S. and China for global influence. It directly accuses China of trying to exploit economic vulnerabilities in the Western Hemisphere, Section 6. and frames the situation as a threat to "democratic values" and "strategic interests". Section 2. It's not just about Panama; it's about sending a message to China and other countries that the U.S. is willing to push back, hard, in its own backyard. The resolution even calls for a framework to potentially restore operational control of the canal to a U.S.-Panama partnership, Section 5(c)—a move that would significantly shift the current balance of power.
Challenges on the Horizon
This resolution is a call to action. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to send this resolution to the U.S. President, Secretary of State, the President, and National Assembly of Panama. Section 7. The resolution could face practical challenges. Getting Panama to completely sever ties with China could be economically painful and politically risky. And while the Neutrality Treaty gives the U.S. certain rights, pushing too hard could be seen as overstepping, potentially straining relations with Panama rather than strengthening them.