Dispute over the Panama Canal: Donald Trump threatens to retake control.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has sparked international controversy following remarks by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who recently stated that «every square meter of the Panama Canal belongs to our country.» Trump responded on social media with a post saying, «We’ll see about that,» accompanied by an image of the American flag waving alongside the phrase, «Welcome to the United States Canal.»
The dispute escalated quickly as Trump accused Panama of imposing «exorbitant fees» on U.S. ships using the canal. During a speech in Arizona, the president-elect suggested that his administration might take measures to reclaim control of the strategic waterway, which was officially handed over to Panama on December 31, 1999, under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977.
Trump took to social media to assert that the United States has a «vital interest» in the safe and efficient operation of the canal and that it would «never allow it to fall into the wrong hands.» He further warned that if shipping fees are not reduced, his government would demand the «full and immediate return» of the Panama Canal.
In response, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected Trump’s statements. In an official statement, Mulino reaffirmed Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, declaring that «it will remain Panamanian» and citing international treaties that safeguard the country’s ownership.
International analysts view Trump’s comments as a potential indicator of shifts in U.S. foreign policy under his leadership, set to begin next month. Meanwhile, Panama’s resolute stance signals the possibility of a growing diplomatic rift between the two nations.
Descubre más desde
Suscríbete y recibe las últimas entradas en tu correo electrónico.
Deja un comentario