United States and China are in a new geopolitical dispute. 

As Washington accuses Beijing of using trade routes for political gain, while China denies the claim and saying US is interfering in Panama’s sovereignty. 

About 6% of global trade passes through the Panama Canal. Recently, Panama cancelled a port deal with a Hong Kong company and gave control to European firms. 

The US claims China is blocking ships, but China rejects this. 

Panama says it has no direct conflict with China. 

Experts warn that problems in key routes like Hormuz and Panama can increase prices and damage global supply chains.