Featured

BlackRock Reaches Panama Canal Deal

A group of U.S. investors led by BlackRock has agreed to acquire majority stakes in two key ports at either end of the Panama Canal, which was previously controlled by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. The $22.8 billion deal, which includes dozens of other ports worldwide, comes amid heightened concerns from the Trump administration over China's alleged influence in the region.

The acquisition addresses national security fears raised by President Donald Trump (R) and other U.S. officials who argue that China’s involvement in the Panama Canal is a threat.

The two terminals—Balboa on the Pacific side and Cristóbal on the Atlantic—handled 40% of all container traffic passing through the canal in 2024.

Since coming into office, President Trump has repeatedly expressed concerns that China could restrict American-bound shipping, and in recent months, he even suggested taking military control of the canal, arguing that the U.S. “foolishly gave it away.”

With the deal now in place, Florida State Senator Nick DiCeglie (R) championed the decision, emphasizing its significance for U.S. foreign policy.

“I think strategically getting China out of there is good. It’s good for the United States,” he affirmed Citing that it would’ve otherwise helped China “gain a strategic advantage over the United States,” the state senator added that “anytime we can reverse those trends, especially in the Panama Canal, it is good for American foreign policy.”

CK Hutchison, a global port operator controlled by billionaire Li Ka-shing, had faced pressure from U.S. and Panamanian officials to divest from the Panama ports. Though the company initially considered legal action to resist external pressure, the offer from BlackRock was ultimately too lucrative to decline. It earned CK Hutchison an estimated $19 billion in cash after adjustments for minority interests.

The deal is part of a broader geopolitical effort by the U.S. to limit China's global reach in strategic shipping routes. Panama, which had previously joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has since withdrawn from the program and is working to ensure the neutrality of its critical infrastructure.

Daniel Molina

Daniel Molina is an award-winning senior reporter based in Miami. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Florida International University.

Recent Posts

Texans Know Texas Best and Should be in Charge of Their own Energy Future

At a time when millions of Americans are concerned about global energy independence and what…

9 hours ago

Crockett Praises Senator Cornyn as 'Bipartisan' Republican

During an interview on MSNBC, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D) dismissed the Texas Republicans letter to…

10 hours ago

FBI Responds to Cornyn’s Request to Help Locate Absent Texas Democrats

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has responded to a request from U.S. Senator John Cornyn…

11 hours ago

Dan Patrick Backs Bill to Restrict Access to Women’s Facilities

The Texas Senate has passed Senate Bill 7, a measure aimed at restricting access to…

11 hours ago

LONESTAR — 8.7.2025 — O'Rourke's Group Accused of Funding Democrat Exodus — Paxton Launches Investigation into Powered by People — and More...

Powered by People, former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke’s (D) political group, is allegedly a key…

13 hours ago

Paxton Investigating O'Rourke's Group Over Democrat Exodus

Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) announced this week that he has launched a formal investigation…

1 day ago