Washington, D.C. – The head of the Federal Maritime Commission is set to testify before a U.S. Senate committee, highlighting concerns over China’s expanding presence in Panama and the involvement of Chinese firms in critical infrastructure.

The testimony will outline potential strategies the United States could employ to counterbalance China’s influence in the region, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Panama Canal to global trade and U.S. interests.

China’s growing foothold in Panama, through investments in ports and logistics, has raised alarms among U.S. policymakers, who view it as part of Beijing’s broader Belt and Road Initiative. The commission’s chair will likely call for increased U.S. engagement in the region to protect economic and geopolitical interests.

The Senate committee will review these recommendations as part of broader discussions on addressing China’s influence in Latin America and safeguarding global trade routes.