Experts Warn of China’s Grip on Key US and Latin American Ports

Experts testifying before a congressional subcommittee said Chinese companies have stakes in ports throughout the Western Hemisphere—including five major U.S. ports—that pose security concerns. While China’s influence on the Panama Canal may be the shiny object at the moment, China has been steadily securing port investments and critical infrastructure agreements throughout America’s backyard. Testimony at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security on Feb. 11 suggested China has made particularly strategic port investments in Panama, Peru, and Brazil. Experts said Chinese companies hold interest in three Mexican ports, one at St. John’s Harbor in Antigua and one at Freeport, Jamaica....