In recent statements, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited tensions over the Panama Canal, a vital maritime passage that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Trump claimed the U.S. should reclaim control of the canal due to alleged breaches in neutrality and unfair treatment of American vessels. However, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has firmly rejected these assertions, maintaining that Panama's administration remains independent and uninfluenced by foreign nations.
The Panama Canal, constructed by the United States in the early 20th century, stands as one of the most critical trade routes for the U.S., with approximately 40% of the country's container ships navigating through its waters. Globally, the canal facilitates around 5% of maritime trade across its 51-mile stretch. This strategic waterway was handed back to Panama in 1999, following a gradual transition initiated by a 1977 treaty signed by then-President Jimmy Carter.
"The United States will once again consider itself a growing nation, one that increases our wealth, expands our territory, builds our cities, raises our expectations and carries our flag into new and beautiful horizons," said Donald Trump.
Trump has voiced concerns over China's purported influence on the canal, suggesting that Hong Kong's Hutchison Whampoa, which operates ports at both ends, may compromise U.S. interests. He further alleged that American ships are "being severely overcharged and not treated fairly," adding to his call for reasserting U.S. control.
"American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form and that includes the United States Navy," Trump asserted.
"And above all China is operating the Panama Canal and we didn't give it to China, we gave it to Panama, and we're taking it back," Trump added.
Panama’s President Mulino dismissed these claims, emphasizing the canal's neutrality as per international treaties. He reaffirmed Panama's autonomous governance over the waterway.
President Jose Raul Mulino responded, stating there is "no presence of any nation in the world that interferes with our administration."
The canal's operation remains pivotal, with the Port of Balboa on its Pacific side and Cristobal on the Atlantic end managed by Hutchison Whampoa. This setup has drawn scrutiny and concern from figures such as Senator Marco Rubio, who highlighted potential risks to U.S. economic and national security interests.
"The very legitimate concern is these companies control both ends of this canal and at a time of conflict and the Chinese tell them 'shut it down and don't let the US go through there' we got a big, big problem. A big economic problem and a big national security and defence problem," Rubio warned.
In response to Trump's declarations of wanting to be a "peacemaker," former U.S. Ambassador Michael McFaul critiqued the feasibility of such a stance while advocating for reclaiming the canal.
McFaul commented, "You can't be a president of peace and take back the Panama Canal."
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