Well, this is something…

Last week, I had tons of clients asking about the news that one of the Hong Kong-based companies operating ports near the Panama Canal has sold its controlling stake to a consortium led by none other than BlackRock, Inc.

Yes, that BlackRock. 

So let me get this straight…

China out. BlackRock in.  

I am not convinced this is an upgrade…

As I’ve discussed previously, President Trump’s claims about China’s “undue influence” over the Panama Canal were an exaggeration from the very beginning. 

Trump has pushed the narrative that Beijing was using its "undue influence" to gain an economic stronghold over one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.  

The operation of the ports by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchinson Holdings was one of the issues Trump sent his emissary Marco Rubio to Panama to address last month.

The truth is, CK Hutchison has operated these ports since 1997, and there has never been a problem. They have in no way asserted themselves into the management of the canal.

Instead, BlackRock now controls and operates these ports at both ends of the Panama Canal, and we have no idea what they will do next.

Perhaps BlackRock, complete with its unsavory entanglements, will attempt to assert its own influence over the Panama Canal.

The same people who were screaming that China could “weaponize” the canal are totally silent as a company that is completely aligned with globalists' interests takes over. 

To me, this is far more concerning than having some random Hong Kong-based shipping company manage these ports or even simply having Trump assert that the U.S. has more direct control over them.

People wanted China out.  

Now they’ve got BlackRock instead.  

Be careful what you wish for...

Speak soon,

Mikkel

PS. I am beyond excited about the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference, starting in just four days, March 14-15 here in Panama City. This event is the perfect opportunity to turbocharge your Plan-B, and there are still a few tickets remaining. I hope to see you there.

Enjoying this email Newsletter? Feel free to forward it and share it with your friends and family to subscribe. The more good, like-minded people we have in our community, the stronger we will be!

No advice: This newsletter, EMS Pulse®, contains information about going offshore and being an expat. The information is not advice and should not be treated as advice. You must not rely on the information in the newsletter as an alternative to legal, financial, or tax advice from an appropriately licensed professional. If you have any specific questions about any such matter, you should consult an appropriately licensed professional. You should never delay seeking legal advice, disregard legal advice, or commence or discontinue any legal action because of information in the EMS Pulse® newsletter or in our work at Expat Money®. Limited warranties: Whilst we endeavour to ensure that the information in the newsletter is correct, we do not warrant or represent its completeness or accuracy. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, we exclude all representations, warranties and conditions relating to this newsletter or our work at Expat Money®. We will not be held liable for any decisions you decide to make as the consumer of this content. Law and jurisdiction: This disclaimer shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Panama Law. Any disputes relating to this disclaimer shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Panama. This message is sent to you because your email address is on our subscribers' list. If you are not interested in receiving more emails like this one, just hit unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.