Panamanian President Jose Raul Molino has firmly rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s recent threat to return control of the Panama Canal to the United States. In a video message shared on social media platform X, President Molino emphasized that “every single meter” of the canal remains Panama’s property and will continue to do so in the future.
A Call for Respectful Relations with the U.S.
Molino expressed hopes for establishing good and respectful relations with the incoming U.S. administration. He also dismissed Trump’s claims that foreign powers such as China, the European Union, or the U.S. have control over the canal. “I deny any misleading statement regarding such control,” said the Panamanian president.
Trump Responds with Threat to Review the Issue
Following President Molino’s statement, Donald Trump responded on his social media platform, ‘Truth,’ stating, “We will look into this matter.” Earlier, Trump had criticized Panama’s fees for American ships using the canal and threatened to demand the return of its control to Washington.
Concerns Over China’s Influence and U.S. Interests
Trump expressed concern over China’s growing influence around the Panama Canal, an issue he views as detrimental to U.S. interests. The Panama Canal is crucial for American businesses, providing a vital link for the movement of goods between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Trump criticized the fees, calling them “ridiculous” and claiming that American ships had been treated “unfairly.”
Historical Context of Canal Ownership
The Panama Canal, completed by the U.S. in 1914, was handed back to Panama in 1999 after a 1977 agreement brokered by President Jimmy Carter. Trump’s comments reflect concerns over what he sees as unfair treatment of U.S. naval and merchant ships using the canal.
Trump’s Proposal for Control
In his post, Trump suggested that if Panama failed to ensure the “safe, effective and reliable operation” of the canal, the U.S. would demand its return. Trump’s rhetoric indicated that he would not allow the canal to “fall into the wrong hands,” pointing out that it should be under U.S. control, not China or any other nation.
The Importance of the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal plays a vital role in global maritime traffic, with an estimated 5% of it passing through the waterway. The canal enables ships to avoid the perilous route around South America, connecting Asia with the U.S. East Coast.
Record Revenue for the Canal
In October, the Panama Canal Authority reported record revenues of nearly $5 billion for the last fiscal year, underscoring the economic significance of this vital global trade route.
