The canal’s two biggest ports are operated by a Hong Kong company with global reach. The Trump administration sees a Chinese threat to U.S. security.

A sprawling business empire built by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing is caught in the crossfire as the extent of Chinese influence over the Panama Canal is debated. - Hong Kong's 'Superman' - CK Hutchison was built from nothing by Li -- now Hong Kong's richest man,

The lawsuit claims that the contracts allowing Hong Kong-owned CK Hutchison Holdings to operate two ports at either end of the canal violate Panama's constitution.