Panama Court voids CK Hutchison port concession amid geopolitical tension

Panama’s Supreme Court ruled the 2021 25-year extension for the Panama Ports Company (a CK Hutchison subsidiary) to operate ports at both ends of the Panama Canal unconstitutional, after a comptroller audit found irregular payments and accounting glitches. The decision comes amid U.S. efforts to curb Chinese influence over the canal and sparks questions about the future of port operations; CK Hutchison and Hong Kong authorities dispute the ruling, while Beijing signals it will defend Chinese interests. The court gave no guidance on next steps for the ports, leaving Panama’s executive branch to decide how to proceed.