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.
In Committee
Introduced:Jan 23, 2025
Primary Sponsor
Eric Stephen Schmitt
Senator
Republican
MO
Cosponsors
5
Quick Stats
Policy Area
International Affairs
Summary
This resolution calls on Panama to expel Chinese officials and interests and terminate Chinese management of key ports including Balboa and Cristobal near the Panama Canal. It urges the U.S. to leverage the Neutrality Treaty and establish a joint U.S.-Panama task force for canal security.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S338-339)
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This resolution calls on Panama to expel Chinese officials and interests and terminate Chinese management of key ports including Balboa and Cristobal near the Panama Canal. It urges the U.S. to leverage the Neutrality Treaty and establish a joint U.S.-Panama task force for canal security.
Last updated: 1/6/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p>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. </p><p>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. </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Calls for expulsion of Chinese interests from Panama
Demands termination of Chinese port management
Expresses concern about Balboa and Cristobal ports
Urges U.S. use of Neutrality Treaty provisions
Proposes U.S.-Panama canal security task force
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This resolution expresses Senate concerns about Chinese influence near the Panama Canal. It has no legal effect but signals support for reducing Chinese presence in Panamanian infrastructure and strengthening U.S.-Panama cooperation on canal security.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
International Affairs
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
31, 119th Congress (2025). "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.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-sres-31
