SCMP Highlights: US-Cuba Tensions, Panama-China Relations, Argentina's Debt
Quick Look
The SCMP reports on US concerns about Cuba's ties to China and Russia, Panama's efforts to balance relations with the US and China regarding canal ports, and Argentina's impending settlement of a US$5 billion debt with China's central bank.
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Why It Matters
The SCMP highlights key foreign relations stories from May 2026, focusing on Latin America. These include US concerns over Cuba's ties to China and Russia, Panama's efforts to manage relations with both the US and China regarding the Panama Canal, and Argentina's financial situation with China.
From Argentina’s shrinking China lifeline to the US’ Cuba worries, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in May 2026
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Published: 10:00pm, 2 Jun 2026
We have selected seven of the most interesting and important news stories covering Latin American relations from the past few weeks. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. US casts Cuba as China-linked security threat while still pushing for talks
One day after the United States brought criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raul Castro over the 1996 shooting down of two civilian aircraft, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio portrayed Cuba as both a growing national security threat tied to China and Russia, and a candidate for a negotiated political transition.
Read the full story here.
2. Panama rejects US pressure claims as it seeks to ease China tensions
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino in May rejected suggestions that US pressure had shaped his government’s handling of a dispute over ports near the Panama Canal, as Panama sought to stabilise relations with Beijing and renew a key maritime agreement.
Read the full story here.
3. How a US$5 billion Chinese lifeline to Argentina shrank to almost nothing
Argentina is on the verge of settling its debt with China’s central bank, winding down a currency lifeline that kept the country afloat during years of financial turmoil, and now sits at the centre of a geopolitical tug of war between Washington and Beijing.
Open Questions
- What specific security threats does the US perceive from Cuba's ties to China and Russia?
- How will Panama's maritime agreement with China impact its relationship with the US?
- What are the long-term implications for Argentina now that the Chinese currency lifeline is ending?
- What are the details of the criminal charges against Raul Castro and the 1996 incident?
