‘Growing Chinese Influence’ – US Congressmen Send Letter to Panama’s Maritime Authority

Panama City:  The U.S. House Select Committee on China sent a letter this week, pictured below, to the administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority, Luis Roquebert, reiterating its concern about the growing influence of the People’s Republic of China in and around the Panama Canal.  The letter, signed by Congressman John Moolenaar, chairman of the committee, acknowledges the Panamanian government’s efforts to counter what it describes as “malicious activity” by China, but also warns of potential threats linked to port concessions under review. 

“I am writing to applaud the work you, your ministry, and your country have done to combat undue influence from the People’s Republic of China,” Moolenaar said, praising President José Raúl Mulino’s efforts to strengthen relations with the United States.  However, the letter warns of a possible transaction involving CK Hutchison, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate, in which Chinese companies such as COSCO, considered close to the Chinese Communist Party, could participate, according to the congressman.  According to Congressman Moolenaar, allowing Chinese companies into key canal operations or strategic ports represents “an unacceptable risk to the national security of both nations.”

“A Panama Canal free from the malign influence of the CCP would benefit the security of Panama, the United States, and Latin America as a whole,” the document concludes.