China, the US, and the Panama Canal

A merchant ship sails along the Panama Canal, in this file photo. China is continuing its push to displace U.S. influence in the region, and already has put parts of the Panama Canal under its control. RODRIGO ARANGUA/AFP/Getty Images

News Analysis

Tensions between the Chinese regime and the Trump administration, already taking the form of an escalating trade war, now appear to be intensifying in Central America and the Caribbean, creating a new wrinkle in a temperamental and volatile relationship.