“The Panama Canal is not only crucial for global trade but also for the economy of Tennessee, home of the Logistics Hub of America in Memphis and where industries rely on shipping routes. Senate Republicans stand with President Trump in his effort to safeguard the Panama Canal from Communist China’s influence and protect the security of this nation,” said Senator Blackburn.

“The People’s Republic of China is the United States’ chief adversary. The control of ports by Chinese-based companies in the Panama Canal, which is an irreplaceable maritime artery for global commerce as well as U.S. naval interests, is a major concern for not just the United States but the entire Western Hemisphere. This resolution takes immediate action to protect America’s core national interests. President Trump has made it clear that our national security, especially in the Panama Canal, is a priority, and I’m proud to lead my Senate colleagues in working towards that priority,” said Senator Eric Schmitt.

BACKGROUND

This resolution: 

• Highlights Panama’s Obligations Relative to the Canal:

• Reaffirms Panama’s commitment to the canal’s neutrality and unbiased access.
• Calls for the termination of agreements granting Chinese entities control over critical ports.
• Emphasizes the requirement of Panamanian leadership to maintain sovereignty over critical infrastructure under current arrangements.

• Affirms U.S. Commitment to Regional Security:

• Provides robust technical, financial, and strategic support to Panama to counter malign foreign influence.
• Leverages provisions of the Neutrality Treaty to uphold the canal’s neutrality and security.
• Strengthens bilateral cooperation to modernize Panama’s canal infrastructure and reduce economic dependence on investments affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

• Promotes Regional Collaboration:

• Fosters partnerships with allies across the Western Hemisphere to counter authoritarian efforts to exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.

• Supports sustainable and transparent investments in regional development.

• Proposes Strategic Joint Initiatives: 

• Proposes a U.S.-Panama task force to oversee the security and operational management of the Panama Canal.
• Advocates for joint modernization efforts, ensuring the canal remains viable to serve American interests.

• In 2021, the Hong Kong company CK Hutchinson won a 25-year extension of its control over two ports at the canal’s entrances. Beijing has increased its control over Hong Kong and companies based there in recent years, and the PRC holds the authority to require private companies to comply with its demands under the guise of national security.Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) co-sponsored this resolution. 

CO-SPONSORS

Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) co-sponsored this resolution.