US mulls global port takeover campaign: Washington is reportedly scheming to topple China’s influence over strategic ports amid rising concerns in DC that it would be at a logistical disadvantage if military conflict erupts, Reuters reports, citing unnamed sources familiar with the plan. The US government believes its own merchant fleet is not well prepared to provide logistical aid to the US Navy during conflict, as it is overly dependent on foreign-controlled ports, the sources said.

One tactic the Trump administration is looking into is launching an acquisition blitz for strategic ports controlled by China, using US-backed firms, according to the sources. The sources cited a BlackRock-led consortium’s ongoing efforts to take over Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison’s stake in 43 ports across 21 countries — including Panama’s two prized ports — as an example.

The hit list: Beyond CK Hutchison’s port holdings, US officials are now eyeing China-controlled assets in the US West Coast, Greece, Spain, and Jamaica, where Chinese players own assets or have long-term operation concessions.

REMEMBER- The US is also targeting Chinese shipbuilding. The Trump administration is planning to slam tariffs — comprising docking fees — on China-built and China-flagged vessels next month. The move is poised to trigger a USD 1-3 mn surcharge for shipments on some transatlantic routes, which could force Chinese majors, such as Cosco, to pass on the surcharge onto customers, dampening demand.

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