Part 6/11:
In a significant geopolitical move, a consortium of investors led by BlackRock has agreed to acquire majority stakes in ports on either side of the Panama Canal, valued at $22.8 billion. This acquisition places crucial maritime assets under U.S. control amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Historically, the Panama Canal has been a point of contention, with previous administrations viewing Chinese-controlled terminals as national security risks. The recent shift in ownership is indicative of the U.S.'s growing influence over key global trade routes at a critical juncture when China is aggressively expanding its Belt and Road Initiative.