Posted on September 15, 2025
The Panama Canal puts Panama on the map – but has also set it at the center of the US-China rivalry in Latin America. US President Donald Trump says he wants to “take back” the canal and his administration has pressured Panama to counter growing Chinese influence. The US military is back in the country and business deals involving Blackrock to get an interest in Chinese-linked ports are up in the air.
In this Mapped Out episode we spoke to experts from the US, China and Panama. So, where is Panama heading in this geopolitical powerplay?
00:00 Why the US & China have their sights on the Panama Canal
02:53 Building the canal: the controversial US legacy in Panama
05:58 Panama’s sudden ditching of Taiwan
08:41 Chinese-linked ports: when business deals get political
10:25 Bowing to US pressure?
12:06 US or China: Where is Panama leaning?
