Former President Donald Trump has once again threatened to “retake” the Panama Canal, warning that the United States could take “powerful” action in response to Panama’s dealings with China around the vital waterway.
On Sunday, Trump told reporters, “China is operating the Panama Canal that was not handed over to China, but was handed to Panama in a foolish deal. They violated the agreement, and we’re going to reclaim it, or something very powerful will happen.”
This statement came shortly after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on his first overseas trip as the nation’s top diplomat, met with Panama’s President Raúl Mulino. Initially, this meeting seemed to ease tensions. Mulino reassured Rubio that Panama’s sovereignty over the canal was non-negotiable, but he also confirmed that Panama had addressed Washington’s concerns regarding China’s growing influence near the canal.
Panama’s Position and the Canal’s Control
Mulino explained that Panama would not extend a 2017 memorandum of understanding to join China’s Belt and Road initiative and might even terminate its deal with Beijing ahead of schedule. Additionally, Panama aims to foster stronger ties with the US and enhance US investments in the country, particularly in infrastructure.
However, Mulino strongly affirmed, “The canal is and will remain Panama’s.”
In response to Trump’s rhetoric, Mulino expressed confidence that military intervention by the US to reclaim the canal was unlikely.
The Panama Canal’s Strategic Importance
The Panama Canal was handed over to Panama in 1999 under a treaty, which still allows the US to intervene militarily in cases where the waterway’s operation is disrupted by internal conflicts or foreign involvement. With more cargo flowing through the canal than ever before, its importance to global trade remains undiminished.
Secretary Rubio warned during his visit that concerns over China’s influence might compel the US to take necessary steps to safeguard its interests, referencing the longstanding US-Panama treaty on the canal’s neutrality.
China’s Role in the Region
In the context of US-China tensions, Panama is also conducting an audit of a Chinese-linked company that operates two terminals near the canal. This company, Panama Ports, is a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings, which operates ports worldwide, including in the US, the UK, Australia, and Canada. While Hutchison does not have control over the canal itself, it manages port terminals that service vessels passing through the canal.
Mulino also revealed that Panama had initiated a program to repatriate migrants through the Darien Gap, a crucial route for travellers heading to the US and Canada. He emphasized that any repatriation costs would be covered by the US
While tensions over the Panama Canal persist, especially in light of Trump’s continued threats, Panama maintains its firm stance on sovereignty and seeks to strengthen its relationship with the US through investments and regional cooperation. Whether these developments will lead to concrete changes or a diplomatic resolution remains to be seen.
(CNN)
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