https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/17/world/americas/panama-seizes-north-korea-flagged-ship-for-weapons.html
I know this article is old but it is significant in that the control of the Panama Canal which is still owned by Panama.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Panama_Canal
But the largest port in the canal is owned by China.
https://www.thetrumpet.com/13973-china-buys-panamas-largest-port
Too many loose ends and future problems.