A resolution calling on the Government of Panama to expel officials and interests of the People's Republic of China and terminate Chinese management of key Panamanian ports.
1/27/2025, 10:54 PMSummary of Bill SRES 31
Bill 119 SRES 31 is a resolution introduced in the US Congress that calls on the Government of Panama to expel officials and interests of the People's Republic of China and terminate Chinese management of key Panamanian ports. The resolution is aimed at addressing concerns about Chinese influence in Panama and its potential impact on US national security interests.The resolution highlights the strategic importance of Panama as a key transit point for global trade and the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It expresses concerns about the Chinese government's increasing presence in Panama, particularly in the management of key ports such as the Colon Free Trade Zone and the Panama Canal Railway.
The resolution argues that allowing Chinese officials and interests to operate in Panama poses a threat to US national security interests, as it could potentially provide China with access to sensitive information and infrastructure that could be used for strategic purposes. It also raises concerns about the potential for Chinese influence to undermine democratic governance and human rights in Panama. Overall, Bill 119 SRES 31 calls on the Government of Panama to take action to expel Chinese officials and interests from key ports and terminate Chinese management agreements in order to safeguard US national security interests and protect the sovereignty of Panama.
Congressional Summary of SRES 31
This resolution expresses concern about the presence and influence of China in Panamanian ports and infrastructure, particularly in facilities with strategic significance such as the ports of Balboa and Cristobal.
The resolution calls on the Panamanian government to reaffirm its commitment to the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal as defined by the Neutrality Treaty (i.e., the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, signed in 1977) and terminate agreements allowing Chinese state-owned enterprises or private entities based in China to manage such strategic infrastructure. The resolution also urges the U.S. government to (1) leverage provisions of the Neutrality Treaty to address threats to the neutrality of the Panama Canal, and (2) develop a U.S.-Panama task force to oversee canal security and operations.
