China interested in building two new Panama Canal ports

It is expected to bid for project despite US threat to regain control of the trade route

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China is among parties interested in bidding to build two new ports on the Panama Canal, its administrator said on Nov 25, despite US talk of retaking control of the vital trade route.

US President Donald Trump made the threat earlier in 2025, alleging that China controls the strategic waterway because Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings operates existing ports at either end Cristobal on the Atlantic, and Balboa on the Pacific.

The firm agreed in March to transfer control of both ports to a conglomerate led by US-based BlackRock, but the deal viewed with suspicion by China - has not been finalised.