China has made significant inroads in the Caribbean in recent years, with Beijing investing heavily in the region to increase its economic and diplomatic influence

China’s presence in Panama has expanded rapidly, sparking fears in Washington. But Panama has already started shifting its allegiances and announced the transfer of major container ports to a US-led consortium.

China has denied trying to claim any control over the canal, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning saying in December that Beijing would "always respect Panama's sovereignty over the Canal ...

In Hong Kong, shares of CK Hutchinson bounced 22% higher, leading Wednesday's rally that left the Hang Seng Index up 2.8%. It gained another 9.5% on

Prior to the origination of the plans for the Panama Canal vessels of trade had few options of getting goods from Europe and Asia to N. America.