Xi pushes Belt and Road Initiative port alliance amid Iran war, Panama Canal dispute

2026.03.17 03:20 Tensions flared between China and Panama last year over two ports, which Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison had operated on the Panama Canal for decades. Photo: AFP President Xi Jinping has vowed to advance the creation of an international port alliance under the Belt and Road Initiative, at a time when the world’s top merchandise exporter confronts mounting challenges to global shipping routes – from the Strait of Hormuz to Panama. An excerpt of his speech, initially given at a closed-door meeting on July 1, 2025, was first published on Monday by Qiushi, the Communist Party’s top theoretical journal. “[China needs to] deeply participate in global ocean governance, unwaveringly defend ocean and maritime rights and interests, and advance the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative International Port Alliance,” Xi was quoted as saying. “[We should also] improve cooperation mechanisms with countries along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.” The Belt and Road Initiative links global economies into a China-centred trading network, promoting connectivity and infrastructure development with more than 150 partners across Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. Panama was the first Latin American country to join the initiative, but did not renew its participation in 2025. Tensions flared last year over two ports – operated for decades by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison – along the country’s canal. Xin Qiang, a professor of international studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, said Xi’s remarks signalled Beijing’s determination and strategic recalibration to address vulnerabilities. “The war in the Middle East and changes on the Panama Canal complicate or threaten China’s interests,” he said. “For years, China has found itself on the receiving end of spillover and collateral damage from wars and controversies, even though it is not a party to these conflicts. “Now, China aims to proactively safeguard its interests, such as oil supplies, and manage future shock

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