Panama is changing how it runs the two main ports at the Panama Canal. The country’s Supreme Court recently took away port operations from Panama Ports Company (PPC), a part of Hong Kong's CK Hutchison, ending their contract which had started in 1997 and was renewed for 25 years in 2021. This move aims to reduce risks from global politics and address pressure from the US. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said on Thursday that Panama will “never again” give control of both the Balboa and Cristobal terminals to just one company. This means a shift to a multi-operator system. China criticized the court’s decision and promised to protect its Chinese companies strongly. Mulino responded firmly, saying, “Panama is a dignified country and will not allow itself to be threatened by any country on Earth.” This step marks a major change in how Panama manages its crucial canal ports, balancing powerful global interests and safeguarding national pride.