U.S. Seeks to Loosen China’s Grip on Global Ports

President Donald Trump’s administration is moving to weaken China’s global port network and bring more strategic terminals under Western control, according to three sources familiar with the plan, Jonathan Saul reported for Reuters.

Beyond Panama, US officials and lawmakers are concerned about Chinese maritime holdings in Greece, Spain, the Caribbean and even US West Coast ports.

The effort is the most ambitious US push to expand maritime influence since the 1970s, designed to counter growing fears in Washington that America would be at a disadvantage to China in the event of conflict.

Officials believe the US commercial shipping fleet is ill-equipped to provide logistical support for the military in wartime and that Washington is excessively dependent on foreign ships and ports.

The Council on Foreign Relations said China had investments in 129 port projects worldwide as of August 2024. China’s shipbuilding industry is 230 times larger than US shipyard capacity, meaning it could take decades to catch up, according to Navy estimates.

Options under consideration include supporting US or Western firms in buying Chinese stakes in ports.

One cited example was BlackRock’s proposed deal to acquire the port assets of Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison in 23 countries, including facilities by the Panama Canal. Beyond Panama, US officials and lawmakers are concerned about Chinese maritime holdings in Greece, Spain, the Caribbean, and even US West Coast ports.