President-elect Donald J. Trump has recently sparked controversy by refusing to rule out using military force to retake the Panama Canal, which was returned to Panama by the U.S. decades ago. Trump falsely accused Panama of allowing Chinese soldiers to control the shipping route and overcharging American ships. He has threatened to demand control of the canal if prices aren’t reduced.
The U.S. built the Panama Canal between 1904 and 1914, and managed it for several decades. U.S. involvement in Panama also led to the creation of the state of Panama. In 1977, treaties were signed for the U.S. to relinquish control of the canal by 2000, with Panama taking full control in 1999.
Panama has rebuked Trump’s claims, stating that the canal belongs to Panama and ships are not overcharged arbitrarily. Rates are set by the Panama Canal Authority in public meetings. China’s involvement in managing ports at the canal entrances has raised concerns about security and competition.
It is unlikely that the U.S. could reassert control over the Panama Canal due to the treaties and Panama’s sovereignty. Experts dismiss Trump’s threats as empty intimidation, with invading Panama being seen as a violation of international law. Trump’s stance on the canal remains a point of contention and concern for both Panama and the international community.
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