An investor group led by BlackRock will acquire two ports near the Panama Canal that are owned by CK Hutchison and have been the subject of a dispute between President Trump and Panama.

China’s presence in Panama has expanded rapidly, sparking fears in Washington. But Panama has already started shifting its allegiances and announced the transfer of major container ports to a US-led consortium.

Often a political punching bag for MAGA Republicans, asset manager BlackRock may have bought some conservative credibility along with its purchase of two critical ports on both sides of the Panama Canal.

Greenland's prime minister on Wednesday hit back at President Donald Trump's pledge to take the Arctic territory "one way or the other", insisting that islanders did not see their future with the United States or even Denmark.