Part 12/16:
The Trump administration has voiced strong opposition to any Chinese control of these critical ports, viewing it as a threat to U.S. strategic dominance and to the security of international trade routes. The deal’s outcome remains uncertain, with OCTOBER 27th serving as the deadline for the exclusivity window and negotiations ongoing behind closed doors. Should China succeed in blocking the deal or securing a stake, it could heighten U.S.-China tensions and re-ignite debate over control of major maritime choke points, which are vital for global commerce.