US-China Face-Off Over Panama Canal, Geo-Political Tensions Rise

• Panama's top court revoked the license of a Hong Kong-based company's subsidiary operating two key Panama Canal container terminals.
• The decision is seen as a victory for the US, which seeks to curb China's influence on global trade routes; China has expressed strong displeasure.
• Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino rejected China's threats, asserting the judiciary's independence.
• China has reportedly instructed state-owned companies to halt new project negotiations in Panama and may tighten inspections on Panamanian goods.
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern, highlighting global trade routes as geopolitical battlegrounds.