Panamanian officials have launched an audit of the Panama Ports Company, overseeing two key ports near the Canal. This audit follows former President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to seize control of the crucial waterway. The investigation aims to ensure transparency and protect national interests. Panama is taking action to safeguard its vital port infrastructure.
Audit Team Deployed by Comptroller’s Office
On Monday, the comptroller’s office sent a team to the Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison Holdings, to begin a thorough investigation. The audit aims to ensure the effective and transparent management of public resources.
Objective of the Investigation
The comptroller’s office emphasized that the audit would focus on the terms of a 25-year concession granted in 1998. This review, as stated by Comptroller General Anel Bolo Flores, aims to verify compliance and assess whether the financial terms of the agreement are still appropriate.

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Concerns Over Revenue Share
Bolo Flores noted that the ports now handle much higher cargo volumes than in 1998, yet the current concession agreement does not provide a fair share of revenue for the government. He visited the Panama Maritime Authority to discuss the ongoing audit and address these concerns.
Trump’s Allegations and Panama’s Rebuttal
This audit follows accusations from Trump, who claims that China is interfering with the canal’s operations. In his address on Monday, Trump reaffirmed his stance, asserting that China controls the Panama Canal, despite Hong Kong’s separate legal system. Panama’s government has denied any Chinese control over the canal, and Trump has yet to provide evidence backing his claims.
President Mulino Reaffirms Sovereignty
President Jose Raul Mulino addressed the issue on Monday, emphasizing that the Panama Canal remains under Panamanian control. He reiterated this stance in a post on X, reassuring the public and international community of Panama’s sovereignty over the vital waterway.
