US EditionChina Warns Panama of 'Heavy Prices' to Pay After CK Hutchison ...
CK Hutchison disputes Panama Supreme Court ruling that annulled exclusive port contracts, threatening a $23 billion sale and ownership of strategic Panama Canal terminals.
- On February 4, 2026, CK Hutchison's Panama Ports Company announced it initiated international arbitration after a Panamanian court annulled licences for the ports.
- After nearly three decades of operations, CK Hutchison said investor disagreements emerged when COSCO sought a large stake, creating friction in talks.
- The planned US$23 billion buyout led by BlackRock and Mediterranean Shipping Company includes Balboa and Cristobal ports, while the CK Hutchison board strongly disagrees and reserves all rights.
- APM Terminals Panama said on Friday it would temporarily operate Balboa and Cristobal ports to prevent trade disruption, while analysts warned arbitration could drag on for years.
- Geopolitical reactions have focused on China warning Panama of `heavy prices` and some U.S. lawmakers calling the ruling a `win for America`, while President Donald Trump urged the U.S. to `take back` the Panama Canal.
46 Articles
46 Articles
By KANIS LEUNG HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong, CK Hutchison Holdings said Wednesday that its subsidiary has initiated arbitration proceedings against Panama after Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that a concession for the subsidiary to operate the Panama Canal ports was unconstitutional. Hutchison expressed its strong disagreement with last week’s ruling, and China warned that Panama would pay “a heavy price” if it persisted. Panama’s president has assu…
After the cancellation of port contracts by a Hong Kong company on the Panama Canal, Beijing is strongly criticizing the US. The company also intends to defend itself.
Panama ports defeat shows China faces tougher test in Latin America
China said Panama risks paying a “hefty political and economic price” following the cancellation of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings’ contract to operate two major ports serving the Panama Canal. “The Panamanian authorities’ insistence on this despite widespread concerns is tantamount to shooting themselves in the foot,” China’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said in a commentary posted on its WeChat account on Tuesday. The decision by …
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CK Hutchison launches arbitration over Panama Canal port ruling
Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison said in a statement Tuesday it has initiated international arbitration against Panama, after a ruling by the country's top court annulled a concession allowing it to operate ports at the Panama Canal.
On 29 January, the Supreme Court of Panama cancelled the concession granted to the Hong Kong group to operate two ports of the canal, causing a strong reaction from Beijing.
Li Ka-Shing’s Port Unit Starts Arbitration Against Panama
Li Ka-Shing’s Port Unit Starts Arbitration Against Panama Over Voided Port Deal - Hong Kong conglomerate alleges breach of faith after Supreme Court in Panama declares operating contract unconstitutional, while a Maersk unit steps in temporarily
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