Posted on 12/23/2024 10:19:11 AM PST by libh8er
…….. However, this issue is not solely about economics. Trump’s statements also reflect broader anxieties about China’s expanding regional influence. Since Panama recognized China diplomatically instead of Taiwan in 2017, Beijing has intensified its economic engagement, including significant investments in infrastructure projects near the canal.
The U.S. Southern Command has voiced concerns about these Chinese investments, with General Laura Richardson highlighting to a Senate panel that they pose a potential threat to U.S. interests. China’s control over ports at both ends of the canal through Hutchison Ports PPC, a Hong Kong-based company with strong ties to Beijing, has fueled these worries. This control gives China substantial influence over the logistical operations crucial for the canal’s efficiency.
This influence raises questions about the canal’s neutrality, which is supposed to be maintained under the Neutrality Treaty, ensuring equal access for all nations. China’s involvement, including the management of the ports of Balboa and Cristobal, could allow it to sway or even manipulate canal operations, posing risks to U.S. commerce that heavily depends on this route.
Moreover, there are security concerns that China might embed surveillance technology within the canal’s infrastructure, which could be used to monitor U.S. naval and commercial movements. This potential for espionage amplifies strategic risks, as it could provide China with critical insights into U.S. logistics and military operations.
(Excerpt) Read more at freightwaves.com ...
National security… such an outdated concept. Kamala would say just don’t worry about it, while Joe is a potato.
Would China just give it up?
With the canal reduced capacity due to a long time drought, Mexico is building a railroad across its width that will take a lot of pressure off the canal and revitalize Mexico as well.
Here is a link to a youtube video on this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMDCKpmc-uo
This is what those of us who were against handing it back in 1987-89 were saying - Hutchison Whampoa was making inroads even then and China was in control of both ends of the Canal les than a year after the handover IIRC. I was a lowly captain at the time, and several times had to stand in front of protestors and remind them of the actual terms of the Treaty. Great fun. First experience with a HMMWV (Hum-V).
Colonel, USAF JAGC (Ret)
Doesn’t China operate ports on the U.S. east and west coasts, also?
Yes, courtesy of Clinton.
Democrats have been sabotaging us for decades.
Good video, thanks
He’s being investigated for fraud for his businesses in Panama. He’s putting a pin in that as fast as he can.
Folks,
It has been so long since we have had a leader with goals. Very few understand negotiations and other fighting tactics. You test the perimeters of an issue, study the responses. create trade off for further negotiation.
I used to tell my farmer clients they didn’t want to own all the land they farmed. Owning was one way of controlling, there are other methods of controlling.
Note the response to “owning Panama canal”. Note response to buying Greenland. Use your thinking cap, what is the real objective?
I’m not too keen on cost-reducing the importation of goods from China into America. The other way around, fine.
Trump seems to have a better grasp of strategy then all flag officer academy graduates!
China has no military ability to hold Panama if they wanted to stop a serious effort by the US to seize it. Short of Nuclear weapons anyway.
Nukes aren’t needed. Just a missile strike or sabatoge the locks.
Thanks, I have watched some other videos from others on the same subject. When completed this could help Mexico greatly, if they don’t screw it up.
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