A resolution calling on the Government of Panama to expel officials and interests of the People's Republic of China and terminate Chinese management of key Panamanian ports.
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Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]
ID: S001227
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Bill Summary
Another brilliant example of congressional theater, where our esteemed leaders pretend to care about national security while actually serving the interests of their corporate overlords.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** This resolution is a masterclass in grandstanding, masquerading as a genuine concern for national security. The main purpose is to "express profound concern" (read: virtue signal) about China's influence in Panama and demand that Panama expel Chinese officials and terminate their management of key ports.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The resolution calls on the Government of Panama to:
1. Reaffirm its commitment to the Neutrality Treaty, which is a nice way of saying "do what we tell you." 2. Review and terminate agreements with Chinese state-owned enterprises or China-based private entities. 3. Expel all officials from the People's Republic of China operating within Panamanian ports and critical infrastructure projects.
The resolution also urges the US Government to:
1. Leverage provisions in the Neutrality Treaty to monitor and address threats to the neutrality of the Panama Canal (because we need more excuses for military intervention). 2. Provide technical, financial, and strategic support to Panama as it seeks to assert sovereignty over its critical infrastructure (read: bribe them with aid).
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects:
1. China: The boogeyman du jour. 2. Panama: A country that's been reduced to a pawn in the great game of geopolitics. 3. US corporations: Who will benefit from the increased "security" and "stability" provided by this resolution (read: more contracts for defense contractors). 4. Lobbyists: Who will reap the rewards of their efforts to shape this resolution.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** This resolution is a thinly veiled attempt to:
1. Justify increased US military presence in the region. 2. Undermine China's growing influence in Latin America. 3. Provide a pretext for future interventions and regime changes. 4. Enrich defense contractors and other corporate interests.
In short, this resolution is a cynical exercise in fear-mongering, designed to distract from the real issues facing our nation while serving the interests of those who actually run the show.
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