Trump Threatens to Assert Control Over Panama Canal – Wikipedia”>Panama Canal
Donald Trump, addressing his supporters, has stated that upon his return to the U.S. presidency, one of his primary tasks will be to ensure fairer global trade, as he believes that the rest of the world is taking advantage of the United States.
Late last week, Trump threatened to assert control over the Panama Canal, through which U.S. corporations transport their goods to other countries. Approximately 14,000 ships transit the canal annually, with over 70% of the goods transported heading to or from U.S. ports.
Trump argues that Panama charges excessive tolls for ships using the canal to transit between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. "Our naval forces and trading ships have been treated very unfairly and foolishly," Trump said. "Panama’s tolls are laughable and outrageous. This total rip-off of our country will stop immediately."
He continued, "We demand to be treated fairly, but they have not treated us fairly. If these moral and legal principles are not followed, we will demand the return of the Panama Canal to the United States."
The Panama Canal was built by the U.S. at the beginning of the 20th century, and the U.S. controlled the surrounding territory for decades. However, in 1977, the U.S. and Panama signed two treaties that paved the way for the canal’s handover to Panama. After a joint administration period, the U.S. transferred full control of the canal to Panama in 1999.
Trump believes that previous U.S. administrations have erred in this matter, and this historical mistake should be rectified. However, the incoming U.S. president has not specified how this could be achieved without violating the agreements signed with Panama.
Panama’s President Vows to Defend Sovereignty
Responding to Trump’s statements, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino addressed his countrymen in a televised speech on Sunday, December 22. He vowed to defend Panama’s sovereignty.
"Dear citizens, as your president, I want to clearly state that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its surrounding territory belongs to Panama and will continue to do so," Mulino said. "Our country’s sovereignty and independence are non-negotiable. Neither China, the European Union, the United States, nor any other major power directly or indirectly controls the canal. As a Panamanian, I categorically reject any assertions to the contrary."
Mulino’s remarks follow Trump’s claims that China is strategically exploiting its control over the vital waterway. While Panama administers the canal, China has increased its influence in the region over recent years. A Chinese company owns two of the five ports located at either end of the canal.
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