panama canal

China's economic planning body, the NDRC, has effectively halted Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI firm Manus. Despite the company reincorporating in Singapore and moving its operations, Beijing intervened, barring founders from leaving and ordering the deal unwound. This move signals a significant shift in China's oversight of tech deals, impacting future foreign investments.

Vance, Rubio On Standby To Follow, If Needed

Global crude oil markets are in a frenzy as a severe shortage drives intense competition for prompt deliveries. Physical oil prices have surged to unprecedented levels, with buyers vastly outnumbering sellers. This scramble, fueled by reduced Middle Eastern flows, is forcing refiners to consider scaling back operations, potentially worsening fuel shortages.

Iran's proposal to levy transit fees on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route, is emerging as a new flashpoint. This move, aimed at generating revenue and exerting geopolitical leverage, challenges international maritime law and could disrupt global trade, pushing energy markets into uncertainty. Nations like India have rejected the idea.

In a dramatic turn, President Trump declared a two-week ceasefire with Iran, averting a major escalation. Following days of intense threats and missile exchanges, the move reopened the Strait of Hormuz, calming global markets. Experts debate whether this is a strategic pause or a calculated application of the 'Madman Theory' to force negotiations.

Over 200 ships are stuck on either side of the channel in the worst traffic jam the panama canal has ever seen. A number of causes, including a protracted drought that has decreased water levels in the canal and operational adjustments made by the panama canal Authority (ACP) to conserve water, have contributed to the obstruction.

President-elect Trump has ignited a diplomatic firestorm by demanding Panama return control of the panama canal to the US. He alleges unfair pricing and criticizes the 1977 handover agreement. Panama's President Mulino vehemently rejected Trump's demand, defending Panama's sovereignty and the canal's fee structure. The canal, a key revenue source for Panama, recently faced drought-related disruptions and subsequent fee hikes.

US President-elect Donald Trump has raised concerns about China's expanding influence in the panama canal region, criticizing high fees and suggesting a return to US control. Panama's President José Raúl Mulino emphasized Panama's sovereignty. China's investments in Panama’s ports and infrastructure further highlight the strategic US-China rivalry over this critical global trade artery.

Donald Trump threatens Panama. He wants the panama canal back. Trump says Panama charges unfair fees. He cites Chinese influence near the canal. Trump says the US generously helped Panama. He demands secure canal operations. Trump will take office next month.

AP Moller-Maersk will use rail transport to avoid the drought-hit panama canal, the Danish shipping giant said late on Wednesday, as low water levels have caused one of the world's main maritime trade routes to reduce crossings. The panama canal Authority (ACP) has reduced the amount and weight of vessels passing through based on current and projected water levels in Gatun Lake, the rainfall-fed principal reservoir that floats ships through the panama canal's lock system, Maersk said.

The Indian connection to the panama canal, built by the US in 1914 and later handed over to Panama, is highlighted by Bhag Singh from Punjab. Arriving in Panama in 1904, Singh contributed significantly to the canal’s construction, enduring hardships and diseases. His grandson, Darshan Singh Deol, advocates for a memorial to honor those who died.

Climate change is causing drought conditions that are making it harder to operate the panama canal and more expensive to pass through

The average wait time for non-booked vessels at the panama canal increased significantly last month due to a prolonged drought. Restrictions on daily transits and ship drafts were imposed to conserve water, resulting in longer waiting times for ships. The backlog of ships has eased slightly, but the restrictions are expected to last for at least 10 more months. While there has been a slight increase in rainfall, it is not enough to raise water levels in the canal. Experts predict that the low water levels will persist for the foreseeable future.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino refuted US President Donald Trump's claim that the US could take control of the panama canal, reiterating that the canal belongs to Panama. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Mulino highlighted the canal's sovereignty and its importance to global trade, also addressing concerns over China's investments in Panamanian infrastructure.

The canal has imposed several restrictions since 2023, though last month the panama canal Authority bumped up daily crossings to 27, from 24, as water levels rose at the man-made Gatun Lake which feeds into the canal.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Panama. He promised collaboration to curb China's influence on the panama canal. Hegseth's visit marks growing US concerns about Chinese projects in the region. Former President Trump suggested military force to reclaim the canal. President Jose Raul Mulino supports US efforts. He pulled Panama out of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

President-elect Donald Trump threatens to demand the panama canal's return to the US due to increased usage fees imposed by Panama. However, experts emphasize that reasserting control over the canal, ceded to Panama in 1999 under treaties, is legally and practically impossible without military action.

The US president-elect has accused Panama of charging excessive rates to use the Central American passage. He has also accused Panama of being influenced by China. But what right does he have to claim territory in another country, and can he make good his threat?

Farmers and residents protested a planned reservoir on the Indio River, a project by the panama canal Authority to address water shortages impacting canal operations and Panama City's water supply. The reservoir, intended to increase ship crossings and support water treatment, faces opposition due to potential displacement of 2,000 people and reduced river flow.

The United States announced that its government vessels will now transit the panama canal free of charge, saving millions of dollars annually. This comes after intense pressure from President Donald Trump and follows discussions with Panama, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the unfairness of previous transit fees due to the US's role in defending the strategic waterway.

President-elect Donald Trump's suggestion of potentially reclaiming the panama canal has caused unease in Panama. Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha asserted Panama's sovereignty over the canal. Experts believe Trump's comments aim to secure advantages for US ships or address migration. Past US military actions in Panama heighten concerns over Trump's rhetoric.

The panama canal Authority (ACP) has announced that daily ship crossings on the panama canal will be reduced by one due to a severe drought. The ACP has implemented various passage restrictions to conserve water, including cutting vessel draft and daily passage authorizations. The new rules will be implemented from November 1st, with nine ships passing through the Neopanamax lock and 22 through the Panamax lock each day. The ACP will also offer a new schedule to reduce waiting times for vessels. Experts warn of possible disruptions to maritime trade due to the ongoing water crisis.

Panama has raised concerns at the United Nations over President Donald Trump's threat to reclaim the panama canal while also auditing a Hong Kong-linked company's Panama Ports operation. Trump alleges China's growing influence over the canal, which Panama maintains under a neutrality principle. The canal serves significant US container traffic.

Panama's President José Raúl Mulino confirms discussions about US control of the panama canal are non-negotiable. He hopes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit will focus on cooperation concerning migration and anti-drug trafficking efforts.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino denied claims from the US state department that a deal had been reached allowing US warships to transit the panama canal for free. Mulino clarified that he had informed US secretary of defense Pete Hegseth that neither he nor Panama could waive transit fees. The panama canal authority also stated there were no adjustments to fees. The disagreement follows recent talks with US officials, including concerns over China's influence in the canal region.