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Panama flag caught in US-China crossfire

Panama flag caught in US-China crossfire

The Republic of Panama finds itself increasingly ensnared in a widening geopolitical contest between Washington and Beijing, as its world-leading ship registry faces intensifying scrutiny over the movement of sanctioned commodities. With over 8,000 vessels currently flying its flag—the largest fleet in the world—Panama is now the central stage for a high-stakes maritime confrontation, as the United States pressures the nation to tighten oversight on tankers allegedly facilitating the transport of illicit oil from nations under international sanctions, including Iran.