Panama Denounces Threats From China Over Court Ruling on Ports, President Says

CK Hutchison has started arbitration against Panama after the Central American country’s top court voided a contract for the company to operate ports there.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino speaks during the inauguration of the Latin America and the Caribbean International Economic Forum at the Panama Convention Center in Panama City on Jan. 28, 2026. Martine Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has vowed to uphold a ruling by his nation’s top court that voided a contract allowing Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison to operate ports serving the Panama Canal.

Mulino rejected threats from the Chinese regime that the Central American country would pay “heavy prices” for adhering to the decision.