The China in Africa Podcast [GLOBAL SOUTH] China's Role in the Panama Canal Controversy
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Jan 28, 2025 In this discussion, Alonso Illueca, an associate law professor at the Universidad Santa María La Antigua and expert on China-Panama relations, dives into the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Panama Canal. He explains how Trump's pressure on Panama could inadvertently strengthen China's influence there. The complexities of Panamanian sovereignty versus U.S. involvement are explored, alongside the strategic responses of Latin American nations navigating these turbulent waters. Illueca also addresses the implications of U.S. aid cuts and shifting alliances in the Global South.
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China's Influence, Not Control
- China's influence in Panama is substantial, but distinct from control or operation of the canal.
- Their diplomatic appointments highlight the importance they place on Panama.
Trump's McKinley Obsession
- Trump's inaugural speech hints at a desire to emulate President McKinley's expansionist policies.
- His rhetoric, referencing McKinley, reveals a concerning ambition to reclaim the Panama Canal.
Multifaceted Chinese Influence
- China's influence in Panama extends beyond infrastructure to media, academia, and domestic politics.
- This multifaceted influence poses a complex challenge for the U.S.