Donald Trump Threatens To Retake Control Of Panama Canal

Donald Trump has threatened to reassert US control over the Panama Canal, a significant waterway for global trade. The US president-elect has accused Panama of charging excessive fees to use the canal. The Panama Canal, built in the early 1900s, is the main link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The United States maintained control over the canal zone until 1977. After a period of joint control, Panama took sole control in 1999.

Trump also said he would not let the canal fall into the "wrong hands," warning of potential Chinese influence on the passage, reported Reuters. At the same time, Panama’s president responded to Trump's statement and said that the canal will remain under his country’s control. “As president, I want to clearly state that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjoining zone is Panama’s and will remain so,” said Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino.

Over 14,000 ships cross the canal annually, including container ships carrying natural gas, cars, and other goods, and military vessels. The waterway accounts for 2.5% of global seaborne trade and is crucial to US imports from Asia.