Core Viewpoint - The United States and China are engaged in a dispute over the influence of China in the Panama Canal, with the U.S. claiming it poses a threat to international trade and global security, while China refutes these claims as baseless attacks [1][3][4]. Group 1: U.S. Position - The U.S. has intensified pressure on the Panamanian government regarding China's influence over the Panama Canal since Trump's return to the White House [3]. - U.S. Secretary of State Rubio demanded that Panama "immediately change" its relationship with China concerning the canal during a visit in February [3]. - The U.S. has plans to acquire significant shares of the Panama Canal port operations through a consortium led by BlackRock [3]. Group 2: China's Response - China firmly opposes U.S. accusations, asserting that the Panama Canal is fully operated by Panamanians and that there is no increasing Chinese control [3][4]. - China's permanent representative to the UN emphasized respect for Panama's sovereignty over the canal and criticized U.S. unilateralism and hegemonic behavior as escalating global maritime security risks [4]. - China has called for the U.S. to reflect on its responsibilities as a major power and cease its fabrications regarding the Panama Canal [4]. Group 3: Maritime Security Concerns - The UN Security Council meeting highlighted multiple maritime security threats, including piracy, armed robbery, transnational crime, and increasing cyber-attack risks [1]. - The Secretary-General of Interpol warned that criminals might exploit artificial intelligence to target ports with the weakest cybersecurity, posing significant challenges to global port operations and shipping safety [1].