China just suffered a major setback in the Western Hemisphere.Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that CK Hutchison’s concession to operate key ports at the Panama Canal is unconstitutional—a decision that could weaken Beijing’s strategic foothold at one of the world’s most critical trade chokepoints.Beijing is already threatening retaliation, pausing deals, and increasing inspections on Panamanian goods. But instead of intimidating its neighbors, China’s response may be pushing countries closer to the US—and even toward Taiwan.
