by yourNEWS Media Newsroom | Mar 4, 2025
Deal marks major shift in global infrastructure control amid Trump’s push to curb China’s reach.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
BlackRock Inc. has acquired a controlling stake in key ports near the Panama Canal, effectively removing Chinese-linked influence over one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. The $23 billion transaction, which includes $5 billion in debt, transfers control from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings to a U.S.-led consortium spearheaded by BlackRock, according to AP.
The deal grants BlackRock control over 43 ports across 23 countries, including Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, Pakistan, and Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal ports, which serve as the primary gateways to the Panama Canal. This move comes after longstanding calls from President Donald Trump and national security officials to reduce China’s control over global infrastructure.
Fox Business detailed the acquisition, stating that BlackRock and its partner Terminal Investment Limited (TiL) will jointly operate the ports under the BlackRock subsidiary Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).
“These world-class ports facilitate global growth. Through our deep connectivity to organizations like Hutchison and MSC/TIL and governments around the world, we are increasingly the first call for partners seeking patient, long-term capital,” said BlackRock CEO Larry Fink.
CK Hutchison co-managing director Frank Sixt emphasized that the deal was “purely commercial” and had no relation to recent political tensions over Panama’s port operations.
Following the deal, U.S. lawmakers celebrated the removal of China’s influence over the Panama Canal.
“China is getting kicked out of Panama and America is winning. Thank you, President Trump. MAGA!” wrote the House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority in a post on X.
Homeland GOP echoed the sentiment, warning that China has used its commercial port operations in the Western Hemisphere to project power, enable surveillance, and pre-position for conflict.
Trump’s Push to Reclaim Control Over the Panama Canal
President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that the U.S. may take back control of the Panama Canal if Panama does not take steps to curb Chinese influence and adjust its operating policies.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared:
“The United States has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that was always understood. We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!”
He further stated that if Panama fails to manage the canal according to U.S. strategic interests, Washington could demand its return.
Trump also emphasized the historic role of the Panama Canal in U.S. commerce and military strategy, noting that over 70% of all transits through the canal serve U.S. ports.
“The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S. This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop….” Trump warned.
The White House has yet to confirm whether further action will be taken regarding the Panama Canal’s operations and ownership structure, but this latest deal marks a major shift in geopolitical control over one of the world’s most vital trade corridors.
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