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Witness warns of lingering Chinese influence in Panama’s ports and cybersecurity grants
Summary
A witness told senators that, despite recent Panamanian divestments, China’s influence persists in the region through donated port cranes, cybersecurity grants with unclear cloud access, and competitive underbidding by companies tied to the Chinese government.
During a congressional exchange about the Panama Canal, a witness described continuing security and influence concerns tied to the People’s Republic of China’s involvement in Panama.
"It doesn't just stop there ... the influence that China's had within Panama," the witness said, citing recent audits and divestments but warning that cybersecurity grants and donated port cranes create lingering access and security questions. He pointed to ports such as Colón and said that some companies with government ties may underbid to gain footholds.
The witness noted concerns about where cloud-stored data from cybersecurity systems might be held and who could access it, saying such infrastructure and equipment donations raise strategic risks. He described instances where cranes provided to ports are tied to companies with partial government ownership.
The senator who asked the question interjected because of time limits and urged that the U.S. encourage Panama to be more accommodating to Taiwan; he also said he would press for additional influence in that direction. The witness concluded by thanking the senator and saying he looked forward to working with the senator’s office if confirmed.
No formal policy action, vote, or legislative proposal on Panama or related measures was recorded in the transcript provided.
