The Hong Kong company's Panama Canal port contract ruled unconstitutional

Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that a subsidiary of Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings' concession (contract) to operate ports at the Panama Canal was unconstitutional. This ruling supports U.S. efforts to limit Chinese influence in the crucial waterway, advancing Trump's "Donroe Doctrine."

The decision followed an audit revealing irregularities in the concession’s 2021 extension for 25 additional years. The audit indicated that "the irregularities had cost the government about $300 million since the concession was extended."

The court did not clarify the future of the ports, and CK Hutchison’s attempt to sell its majority stake appears stalled due to Chinese government objections.