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August 11, 2025

US and China clash at UN over Panama Canal control claims

NPR
Zubair Amin
www.sgvtribune.com
The Associated Press
The Washington Post
+3

Global trade flashpoint as Trump threatens to seize strategic waterway

U.S. and China had public showdown at UN Security Council on Aug. 11, 2025

Trump threatened to seize Panama Canal claiming China "operates" it through Hong Kong companies

Chinese companies run ports on both ends of canal but don't control waterway itself

About 40% of U.S. container traffic flows through Panama Canal

Panama president defended sovereignty while Trump pressured China to sell to BlackRock

U.S. veto power at UN prevents any Security Council action against American threats

Trump threats violate 1977 Panama Canal Treaty that America signed

📈Trade📜Constitutional Law🌍Foreign Policy

People, bills, and sources

What you can do

1

Monitor MarineTraffic.com to track how canal disruptions affect shipping and prices

2

Check FreightWaves.com for real-time supply chain impact analysis

3

Follow Panama Maritime Authority at amp.gob.pa for official canal operations updates

4

Track container shipping rates at freightos.com to anticipate consumer price impacts

5

Contact Congress at 202-224-3121 to oppose violations of international treaties

6

Support organizations like the Council on Foreign Relations at cfr.org monitoring trade disputes