Hormuz effect? How US, China are ramping up tensions over the Panama Canal

The United States and China are exchanging barbs over influence in the Panama Canal, one of the world's most important shipping routes. Washington and its allies accuse Beijing of detaining and holding up Panama-linked ships, calling it a "blatant attempt to politicise maritime trade". China has denied the allegations, calling them "hypocritical" and accusing the US of undermining sovereignty. Any disruption to the canal could significantly disrupt global trade.