Tabita Rosendal was interviewed for France 24 about Panama’s decision to revoke CK Hutchison’s port concessions in Balboa and Cristobal

Last week, Tabita Rosendal spoke with France 24 about Panama’s decision to revoke CK Hutchison’s port concessions in Balboa and Cristobal. She explained that the move reflects growing pressure from the Trump administration and fits within a broader effort to curb China’s influence in Latin America, consistent with the so‑called Trump Corollary. While China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the ruling as unlawful and harmful to Chinese commercial interests, Beijing now faces a strategic dilemma: how to respond firmly without alienating other Latin American partners or jeopardizing ties with Washington ahead of Trump’s expected April visit. Although China may consider retaliatory economic measures, Tabita noted that the Chinese Communist Party is equally likely to frame Panama’s decision as evidence of U.S. coercion and declining global leadership, and to use the moment to strengthen relations with Latin American states frustrated by U.S. pressure. In her view, the case illustrates the wider geopolitical contest between China and the U.S., including in Latin America, and Beijing will be watching closely to ensure Panama’s decision does not trigger a wider regional domino effect.

You can read the full (French) article by following this link.

A shortened English version can be found here.