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The elected president of the United States, Donald Trump, issued a strong threat again on Tuesday regarding his intention to regain control of the Panama Canal, a matter that continues to generate controversy.
At a press conference held at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump accused the Panamanian government of imposing excessive fees on American ships using this crucial waterway between the Atlantic and Pacific, and claimed that China has taken on a dominant role in its administration.
Trump harshly criticized the historic decision of former President Jimmy Carter to transfer control of the maritime strait: "The Panama Canal was built for our military," he asserted, concluding that the transfer of sovereignty to Panama was a "great mistake," according to the EFE news agency.
In their opinion, this concession allowed China to gain increasing influence over a key route for international trade. "The Panama Canal is vital for our country. It is operated by China. We handed it over to Panama, not to China, and they have abused that gift. That decision should never have been made," they stated.
The issue of the Panama Canal was a central focus of U.S. foreign policy in the 1970s when Jimmy Carter negotiated treaties that allowed for the transfer of sovereignty to Panama, a process that culminated in 1999.
Trump has previously expressed his discontent with this measure, stating that this decision was one of the reasons why Carter lost the 1980 reelection amid the crisis of American hostages in Iran.
Previously, he suggested that he will take actions to regain control of the channel when he takes office on January 20. However, so far, Trump has not provided details on how he plans to implement this measure.
The government of Panama firmly rejected any attempts to modify sovereignty over the canal, raising concerns about the viability of Trump's statements.
In response to reporters' questions about whether he would consider economic or military measures, or a renegotiation of treaties, Trump simply stated: "We will have to do something."
Trump appointed Kevin Marino Cabrera, of Cuban descent and current commissioner of Miami-Dade County, as ambassador to Panama for his new administration, amid tensions generated by recent statements in which the future president accused the Central American country of "scamming" the United States over Panama Canal tolls.
Frequently asked questions about the diplomatic crisis between the United States and Panama regarding the Panama Canal
Why does Donald Trump threaten to reclaim the Panama Canal?
Donald Trump threatens to reclaim the Panama Canal due to his disagreement with the current fees for shipping transit, which he considers "absurd" and "an absolute scam." He also expresses concern about China's influence over the canal and questions Panama's ability to ensure the safe operation of the waterway.
What has been Panama's response to Trump's statements about the Canal?
The President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, firmly stated that the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to do so. Mulino defended the sovereignty and independence of his country, highlighting that the Panamanian administration has ensured an efficient and profitable operation of the canal.
What influence does China have in the Panama Canal according to Trump?
Donald Trump has expressed concern about China's influence in the Panama Canal, suggesting that this factor could compromise the security and control of the interoceanic route. However, no specific details were provided on how this influence manifests itself.
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