Panama Canal Neutrality Amid USA–China Rivalry

The Panama Canal neutrality is one of the cornerstones of international maritime law and global trade. As tensions rise between the United States and China, this small yet vital waterway once again finds itself at the center of geopolitics. Why Is the Panama Canal Neutral? The neutrality of the Canal is guaranteed under the 1977 Torrijos–Carter Treaties, which established that the Panama Canal would remain permanently neutral, open, and safe for all nations, regardless of political or military conflict. This principle ensures that global shipping routes remain stable and predictable. The Canal’s Strategic Importance The Panama Canal handles around 5% of global maritime trade,...