CKH HOLDINGS(HK:00001) Bei Jing Wan Bao·2026-02-03 02:00Core Viewpoint - Recent political pressures have led to significant challenges for Chinese-operated overseas ports, particularly in Australia and Panama, reflecting a broader strategy by the U.S. to undermine Chinese influence in global port operations [1][15]. Group 1: Australia and Darwin Port - The Australian government announced plans to reclaim the Darwin Port, previously operated by China's Landbridge Group, citing national interest, which violates the spirit of the original contract [1][3]. - Landbridge Group invested over 1 billion AUD to upgrade the port, increasing its annual throughput from 5 million tons to over 30 million tons, and generating significant tax revenue for the Northern Territory government [2]. - The push to reclaim the port is seen as a strategic alignment with U.S. interests, particularly with the upcoming deployment of U.S. nuclear submarines in Australia, which heightens the military significance of the Darwin Port [3][15]. Group 2: Panama and the Ports - The Panama Supreme Court ruled that the contract allowing Hong Kong's CK Hutchison to operate two ports at either end of the Panama Canal was unconstitutional, effectively ending their operational rights [5][6]. - CK Hutchison had invested over 1.8 billion USD in port infrastructure and technology over nearly 30 years, significantly enhancing Panama's logistics capabilities [5]. - The ruling came shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Rubio visited Panama, indicating U.S. pressure on the Panamanian government to distance itself from Chinese investments [6][7]. Group 3: U.S. Strategy and Global Implications - The U.S. is intensifying its efforts to control strategic ports globally, viewing Chinese port investments as a threat to its hegemony [10][12]. - Trump's administration is actively promoting a "de-China" strategy in global ports, aiming to reclaim control over key logistics nodes in Latin America and the Indo-Pacific regions [11][15]. - The strategy includes establishing a "Port Security Information Sharing Platform" to monitor high-risk investments and promoting exclusive networks among allied ports to counter Chinese influence [13][14]. Group 4: Economic Considerations - The U.S. strategy not only aims to diminish China's geopolitical influence but also seeks to capitalize on profitable assets previously developed by Chinese companies, effectively transferring these assets to U.S. or allied interests [17][18]. - The ongoing "port reclamation" efforts are expected to expand beyond Darwin and Panama, potentially impacting other critical ports globally [19].