The president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, accused Panama of charging “exorbitant” fees for passages through the Panama Canal and threatened to regain control of the waterway. The comments were made in two publications on the Truth Social social network on Saturday (21).
“The fees charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been extended to Panama by the US,” Trump wrote.
In another post, he added: “If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of donation are not reciprocated, then we will continue to demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full and without any questions asked. To Panamanian employees, please be guided accordingly!”, he warned.
He suggested growing Chinese influence in the region. “When former President Jimmy Carter, during his term, foolishly gave everything away for free, it was for only Panama to administer, not China or any other country,” he continued.
The U.S. remains the canal’s top user, while China — the second-largest user — serves as a primary source of goods transported through the waterway.
The Asian country’s influence in the region has only grown since 2017, when Panama cut ties with Taiwan, aiming to develop a diplomatic relationship with China.
In the posts, Trump also maintained U.S. interest in the “safe, efficient and reliable operation” of the waterway under a previous agreement between the U.S. and Panama, but threatened to take action if he felt the “donation gesture” was not being respected.
Understand more about the history of the Channel
The waterway, an important global transit point connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, was built by the United States during the administration of President Teddy Roosevelt.
A key factor in the rise of American geopolitical power in the early 20th century, the Canal was maintained and controlled by the US until a series of treaties during the Carter administration led to a gradual transfer of administration of the Canal to Panama – which was not completed until 1999.
The US still retains the right to defend itself against any threat to the Channel’s neutrality under the terms of the Neutrality Treaty, ratified by the US Senate in 1978.
However, analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies believe that the extension of Chinese trade relations in the region would require a significant US strategy to reinforce its own presence in Panama and around the Canal.
When will Donald Trump be inaugurated as President of the United States?
This content was originally published in Trump threatens to regain control of the Panama Canal on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
