China Demands Control in Panama Port Deal

President Trump’s effort to curb China’s influence over the Panama Canal is facing a major setback as negotiations over a massive global ports deal have stalled. China is demanding that its state-backed shipping company, COSCO, receive a controlling stake in a proposed $22.8 billion sale of more than 40 ports, including two at the Panama Canal, from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison to a group led by BlackRock.  The Trump administration and the buyers have rejected those terms, saying Chinese control of the canal would threaten U.S. economic and national security.