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Trump Demands Free Passage for US Ships Through Panama and Suez Canals

April 27, 2025, 5:17 am

US President Donald Trump has once again stirred global waters by demanding that American military and commercial ships be allowed to travel free of charge through the Panama and Suez Canals.

In a fiery post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “American Ships, both Military and Commercial, should be allowed to travel, free of charge, through the Panama and Suez Canals! Those Canals would not exist without the United States of America.”

He added that he had instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “immediately take care of, and memorialize, this situation.”

Trump’s Long-Standing Demand to “Take Back” the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal, a strategic link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, was built by the United States and opened in 1914. In 1999, the canal’s control was officially handed over to Panama. However, Trump has frequently voiced dissatisfaction over the transition, repeatedly asserting his wish to “take back” the canal.

Earlier this year, Trump accused Panama of violating their agreement with the US. In a bold statement, he said, “China’s running the Panama Canal… it was not given to China… But they violated the agreement and we’re going to take it back or something very powerful is going to happen.”

Why It Matters

The Panama Canal carries nearly 40% of US container traffic every year. Any disruption or control shift over this route could significantly impact global trade and US economic interests.

Similarly, the Suez Canal is another critical artery for global shipping, and Trump’s call for free US access underlines his broader strategy of reasserting American dominance over international trade routes.

As of now, there has been no official response from Panama, Egypt, or China regarding Trump’s latest comments. However, experts warn that any aggressive moves could escalate tensions in already sensitive regions.

Hegseth Warns of China’s Growing Military Grip in Latin America

April 9, 2025, 10:41 pm

PANAMA CITY — US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has raised serious concerns over China’s expanding footprint in the Western Hemisphere, warning that Beijing’s military presence is “too large” and poses both economic and strategic threats.

Speaking at a regional security conference in Panama on Wednesday, Hegseth cautioned that Chinese companies are not only investing in but also controlling land and key infrastructure across the region.

“Make no mistake,” he said. “Beijing is investing and operating in this region for military advantage and unfair economic gain.”

Call for Regional Unity

Hegseth urged Latin American governments to work together to counter China’s influence and also address issues like transnational drug cartels and illegal immigration. His comments came just a day after his meeting with Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino and a visit to the Panama Canal, a waterway now at the center of geopolitical tension.

The US and Panama agreed to increase security cooperation and explore solutions regarding fees that US warships are currently required to pay to transit through the canal.

Tensions Over the Panama Canal

Hegseth’s visit comes amid increased rhetoric from US President Donald Trump, who has claimed that America is being overcharged for canal access and accused China of having undue influence over canal operations — claims that Panama firmly denies.

Fueling these concerns is CK Hutchison, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate, which has held a 25-year lease on ports at both ends of the canal. Though the Panamanian government announced an audit that found “irregularities” in the lease, CK Hutchison denied any wrongdoing.

A Shift Towards US Control?

In a dramatic development, CK Hutchison said it would sell its controlling stake in the ports to a consortium led by US-based BlackRock Inc., which could effectively bring the strategic ports under American control once the deal finalizes.

China Pushes Back

China quickly responded through its embassy in Panama, condemning the US’s stance as “blackmail.”

“Who Panama carries out business with is a sovereign decision, and not something the US has the right to interfere in,” the statement said.

As the geopolitical tug-of-war intensifies, Latin America may soon find itself at the heart of a power struggle between two global superpowers, with the Panama Canal as the strategic prize.

China Freezes New Deals with Li Ka-shing Over Panama Port Sale

March 27, 2025, 2:37 pm

China has ordered state-owned enterprises to halt new business with companies linked to Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing and his family. The move follows CK Hutchison’s decision to sell key port assets near the Panama Canal to a US-led consortium. The $19 billion sale has heightened tensions between the US and China over strategic infrastructure control.

Beijing’s Response and Business Restrictions

Senior Chinese officials issued the directive last week, instructing state-backed firms to avoid new partnerships or commercial agreements with Li Ka-shing’s businesses. However, existing deals remain intact.

Beijing fears that selling Panama-based port facilities to a US-led group could weaken China’s strategic influence in the region. US President Donald Trump has backed the deal, calling it a measure to curb China’s presence near the Panama Canal.

Regulatory Scrutiny on Li Ka-shing’s Business Empire

Chinese regulators have launched a review of the family’s investments, both domestic and overseas, to assess their financial reach. CK Hutchison, with holdings in retail, telecoms, infrastructure, and ports, remains a dominant corporate force in Hong Kong. However, the politically sensitive nature of its recent sale has intensified scrutiny from Chinese authorities.

In recent weeks, pro-Beijing Hong Kong newspaper Ta Kung Pao has accused Li Ka-shing’s firm of undermining China’s national interests. The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office later reposted some of these articles on its official website, fueling speculation that Beijing may attempt to block the transaction.

Chinese regulators, under central leadership guidance, have begun a formal review of the deal, signaling Beijing’s concerns over US-driven geopolitical pressure.

Strategic Concerns Over the Panama Port Sale

The ports are strategically located near the Panama Canal, a crucial global trade route contested by both the US and China. The sale to a US-backed consortium is seen as a shift in regional control.

US President Trump has framed the acquisition as a strategic win for American influence. He had previously called for reducing what he termed as Chinese control over the canal.

Following reports of China’s directive, CK Hutchison’s stock initially rose 3.6% before closing with a 1.2% gain on Thursday.

As US-China tensions escalate, Li Ka-shing’s business dealings have become part of a larger geopolitical struggle, placing his empire under heightened scrutiny from Beijing.

US Top Military Commander Visit Panama For Security Talks And Canal Concerns

February 20, 2025, 3:42 am

US Southern Command Chief Admiral Alvin Holsey is set to visit Panama this week for high-level discussion of security cooperation, immigration, and strategic Panama Canal, the US embassy stated on Wednesday.

During the stay in Panama on Wednesday and Thursday for a visit that is two days, Holsey will meet with Panamanian officials as tensions between the Trump administration and China’s control over the canal grow, a key international trade channel.

The visit restates Washington’s sustained efforts to promote security cooperation in Latin America, particularly as Beijing’s strategic and economic presence in the region continues to expand. The Panama Canal, one of the busiest maritime commercial waterways, remains a priority in US-Panama relations.

Holsey’s meetings are meant to consolidate defense cooperation and the issue of migration in the region, which affects both countries. The visit puts emphasis on US strategic interest in its ability to command this key strait.

Trump Delays Call With Panama’s President Amid Rising Tensions Over Canal Dispute

February 8, 2025, 4:20 am

US President Donald Trump had to postpone his scheduled phone call with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino due to some unexpected changes in his agenda, Panama’s government announced on Friday. A new date for the call is to be coordinated and shared later, according to the Panamanian foreign ministry.

The delay is at a moment when tensions increase after the US claims that it vessels can go through the Panama Canal without having to pay the fee. Mulino has seriously rejected the claims, calling them lies and false statements. He dismissed claims of the canal belonging to China and any military existence there.

The Panama Canal remains under the jurisdiction of the Panama Canal Authority-an independent agency directly governed by the Panamanian government.

Leaders had earlier intended to have their talk at 3:30 p.m. local time Friday. Progress comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in which Mulino said that Panama will not extend their deal to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative, an international infrastructure program.

Panama Canal Ownership: China’s Role in the Vital Waterway Amid U.S. Tensions

February 7, 2025, 7:10 pm

China has strongly criticized the US for attempting to destroy the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Panama, following Panama’s withdrawal from the program. Beijing accuses Washington of using “pressure and coercion” to undermine China’s growing clout in the region, particularly on the Panama Canal, through “sensitive and sabotage” of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Panama Withdraws from the BRI among U.S. Concerns

Panama formally withdraws from the BRI after President Jose Raul Mulino meets with U.S. Representative. Earlier this month, Marco Rubio was Secretary of State., although Beijing has censured U.S., Mulino says Panama made the call independently of foreign influence. A centerpiece of President Xi Jinping’s plan to increase China’s worldwide reach through large infrastructure works is the Belt and Road Initiative China started in 2013.

Panama was the first Latin American country to become part of the BRI in 2017, only a few months after it changed diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. Pressure on Panama to limit Chinese power in the area—especially over the Panama Canal—has led Panama to pull out of the project.

China Reacts: “Cold War Mentality” from U.S.

Emphasizing the need of good bilateral ties and the long-term interests of the two nations, Beijing voiced great regret on Panama’s choice. Lin Jian, spokesperson for the foreign ministry of China, said, “We hope that Panama will make the right decision based on the overall situation of bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples, and eliminate external interference.”

Also condemned by the United States by the Chinese government in Latin America, for its “Cold War mentality,” Beijing is unfairly chastised for Washington’s policies meant to sow discord with Latin America. The spokesperson added that Mr. Rubio’s comments unfairly blame China, deliberately incite tension between China and pertinent Latin American countries, disrupt China’s internal affairs, and erode China’s official rights and interests.

Panama Canal is a Point of Beauty

A crucial waterway connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the Panama Canal carries approximately 40% of United States freight. Contain traffic. This has turned the canal into the center of America. Worries about Chinese impact. Washington’s major concern is the increasing involvement of Chinese corporations in the canal’s infrastructure.

The Panama Canal Authority, independent of the United States, manages the Panama Canal. Chinese firms working at vital ports on either side of the canal have Washington particularly concerned with the Panamanian and U.S. administrations. Particularly, the Hong Kong based company CK Hutchison, managing two main ports on both ends of the canal, has been at the center of U.S. worries. Since 1997. CK Hutchison, a worldwide port operations leader, has been given the right to manage these ports.

Trump’s Continuous Warning about Control of the Canal

Trump said, “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,” starting his inauguration address. He has even proposed using force to regain command of the canal, a remark that Panama’s government has criticized.

Notwithstanding Trump’s words, Panama has often said its sovereignty over the canal is still unaffected. Although he did admit to some compromises to the United States, President Mulino stressed, “Panama’s sovereignty over the canal is not up for debate.” force.

However, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has asserted that Panama’s sovereignty over the canal was not up for debate, but the country has made other concessions to US pressure.

Beijing’s Support for the Sovereignty of Panama

China has reiterated its commitment to Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, contradicting what the United States has said. Chinese authorities have emphasized that their presence in the region is completely financial, and they are not in charge of the day-to-day operations of the canal.

The Panama Ports Company (PPC), having under CK Hutchison two major ports, states that the firm has no control over entrance to the Panama Canal, and that the Panamanian government is still a partnership in the port operations.

China has also remarked that more than 20 other Latin American nations along with Panama have benefited from the BRI. Helping the region to develop economically, the project has made critical infrastructure investments including roads, ports, and energy initiatives.

The Infrastructure of Panama Depends on China’s Assistance

Though there is no direct evidence linking China to the operation of the canal itself, there is cause for concern over China’s rising influence on the Panama Canal. Still, Chinese participation in Panama’s infrastructure developments has caught attention. Chinese firms including China Communications Construction Company and China Harbour Engineering formed a consortium given a $1.4 billion contract to construct a bridge spanning the Panama Canal. The intention of this initiative is to improve the already extensive infrastructure of Panama and help with traffic problems in Panama City.

Experts contend that China has a strong influence in the area given its part in important infrastructure initiatives even though it cannot physically run the canal. R Evan Ellis is a research professor of Latin American Studies at the US Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. According to him, China could use infrastructure surrounding the canal, particularly during conflicts, to raise its leverage, as per Army War College. Ellis added, “All of these activities, and the connections with Panama Canal Authority…plus the technical knowledge you acquire as a typical canal operator essentially magnifies the possibilities that, if you are (China) and you want to close down the canal at a time of conflict, there are a thousand ways to do it.”

U.S. Concerns Over China’s Around the world Influence

The debate over Chinese control in Panama fits into a more general American context. concern about China increasing global presence. Hong expands its political and financial influence by creating debt traps for poor nations through the BRI, critics contend. There is no proof to show the Panama Canal is under Chinese control, still U.S. officials still view with suspicion the growing global reach of Beijing.

Ultimately, Panama’s removal of the BRI has increased American tensions. And with China regarding the Panama Canal’s future. Although Beijing keeps on stressing its peaceful intentions and Panama’s autonomy, the geopolitical competition between the two world powers is long from concluding.

US Government Ships to Pass Through Panama Canal Fee-Free

February 6, 2025, 12:33 pm

In response to President Donald Trump’s pressure, the United States stated on Wednesday that its government ships would be given free transit through the Panama Canal.

USA would be State Department posted on social media, stating, “US government ships can now transit the Panama Canal free, thus saving the US government millions of dollars annually.”

These negotiations on U.S. gave first official word of concessions talked about. Sunday addresses Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio had told Panama that United States was wrong. to protect such an essential waterway at the same time paying charges for its use.

After the US. In the event of a Trump administration loss, he had not eliminated military action to seize the channel, which manages 40% of US.Unmarshal. container traffic. Regarding Chinese investments, including ports on either side of the canal, Trump and Rubio voiced worry that Beijing could potentially shut off the waterway to the United States. in case of emergencies.

Panama nonetheless strongly refuted Trump‘s assertion about China’s influence on canal operations. Still, after meetings with Rubio, President José Raúl Mulino said Panama would not be re-enabling its involvement in the enormous infrastructure project for Belt and Road Initiative for China.

Rubio said his talks with Mulino were “respectful” and indicated the discussions would cover U.S. issues , Trump said he was “not pleased,” but he did admit Panama had “agreed to several things.” Development ofliament onFailure would very probably be followed beyond recognition and might be very difficult to follow. and Panama will meet on Monday to negotiate the canal.

Trump had stressed in his first speech that the United States was way behind other countries in the area of nuclear arms. would be “taking back” the canal the United States constructed more than a century ago. and was returned to Panama at the end of 1999.

Marco Rubio Warns Panama: Reduce Chinese Influence in Canal or Face US Response

February 3, 2025, 2:56 pm

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino for discussions as protesters took to the streets against President Donald Trump’s proposal to reclaim control of the Panama Canal.

During the meeting, Rubio conveyed Trump’s concerns over China’s involvement in the canal, stating that it posed a threat and required urgent action. According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, he warned that if necessary changes were not implemented, the U.S. would take steps to “protect its rights” under its treaty with Panama.

Since Trump began advocating for “taking back” the canal, Panamanian officials have been seeking clarification from Rubio regarding potential concessions that might appease Washington.

Panama dismisses US control of Canal

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino firmly stated that the sovereignty of the Panama Canal was non-negotiable but expressed willingness to assist in repatriating migrants traveling through Panama toward the U.S.—provided Washington financed the initiative.

He proposed expanding an existing agreement with the U.S. to deport non-Panamanian migrants who cross the Darién Gap, a dense jungle on Panama’s southern border with Colombia. Following the meeting, Mulino said the expanded deal could cover deportations of individuals from Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador.

“We had a very respectable and cordial meeting,” he said, while making it clear that the canal “is operated by our country and will continue to be.”

Additionally, Mulino announced that Panama would not renew its Belt and Road Initiative partnership with China and extended an invitation for increased U.S. investment in the country.

US concerns

On his first major diplomatic tour in the region, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is working to strengthen ties with Central America and the Caribbean, with a particular focus on curbing migration to the U.S. Prior to Donald Trump’s presidency, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino had already signed agreements with Washington to enhance deportations and surveillance along the Darién Gap. In January, migration through the area dropped by 94% compared to 2023.

Trump’s renewed focus on the Panama Canal has heightened tensions. Last week, The Guardian reported that a U.S. Senate committee accused Panama of mismanaging the waterway. Years of drought have led to a reduction in canal traffic, with a limited number of transit slots being auctioned for as much as $4 million. Experts suggest that constructing a new dam on the Rio Indio could help resolve the crisis, but they acknowledge that it would be a complex and expensive project.

Trump, however, is advocating for stronger action. He recently dismissed an audit of ports near the canal, commissioned by Panama’s government, stating that it was “not enough.” He further claimed that Panama had “totally violated” its agreement with the U.S. when the canal was transferred in 1999. “They’ve already offered to do many things,” Trump told reporters, “but we think it’s appropriate that we take it back.”

Protests in Panama

As Marco Rubio met with President José Raúl Mulino, around 200 protesters took to the streets of Panama City, waving national flags and chanting, “Marco Rubio out of Panama” and “Long live national sovereignty.” Some demonstrators burned a banner featuring images of Donald Trump and Rubio before riot police intervened.

Union leader Saul Mendez criticized Rubio as “the imperial messenger” and firmly stated, “We reiterate that there is absolutely nothing here for Trump. Panama is a free and sovereign nation,” as reported by The Guardian.

Meanwhile, China has rejected Trump’s assertions, emphasizing that it does not control the canal and fully respects Panama’s sovereignty. The waterway is operated by the Panama Canal Authority, an independent agency under the Panamanian government.

Despite rising tensions, Mulino has remained steadfast, asserting that any significant concessions regarding the canal’s management or fee structure—both crucial to Panama’s budget—are not open for negotiation.

Cruz Sounds Alarm On China’s Panama Canal Influence, Calls It National Security Threat | Watch

January 29, 2025, 12:34 am

Senator Ted Cruz sounded the alarm on Tuesday over China’s growing control over the Panama Canal, warning that it poses significant risks to US national security. Speaking at a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing, Cruz said that CCP interests have taken a “militaristic” turn in the region, particularly concerning the canal, a vital global shipping route.

Recently, former President Donald Trump raised two major concerns, which Cruz also pointed out. First, the danger of China blocking the canal passage and, second, the high cost of transit, especially for US businesses. He pointed out that Chinese companies control container ports at both ends of the canal and are constructing a bridge across it, a project that has been progressing at a slow pace, potentially giving China the ability to block the canal without warning.

“This situation poses acute risks to US national security,” Cruz asserted, adding that US cargo represents nearly 75% of canal traffic, with US Navy vessels paying additional fees.

China Is CLOSING IN on the Panama Canal

Sen. @tedcruz, R-Texas, explains how China poses a serious risk to national security if the U.S. does not control of the Panama Canal. pic.twitter.com/sXGIeIJLXt

— The Daily Signal (@DailySignal) January 28, 2025

Comments from Cruz come amidst increasing concern regarding the increased Chinese presence in Panama. Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Louis Sola testified that Chinese companies have expanded their operations in Panama since 2015, including securing no-bid development contracts related to the canal. Most of these companies are state-owned, and some of them are connected with the Chinese military, thereby further increasing security concerns.

The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, dismissed allegations of foreign interference, stating that the country manages the canal itself. Cruz is, however adamant that China’s influence in the region needs to be addressed before US interests can be protected.

Panama President Asserts Panama Canal Was Not a ‘Gift’ From the US at Davos

January 22, 2025, 4:53 pm

President Jose Raul Mulino of Panama, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on the Panama Canal. Mulino outright rejected Trump’s argument that the canal was a “gift” from the United States, insisting, “We reject in its entirety everything that Mr Trump has said. First because it is false and second because the Panama Canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama.” He continued by stating, “The Panama Canal was not a concession or a gift from the United States.”

Trump, in his inaugural address, accused China of “operating” the Panama Canal because of its influence over the region. He said the U.S. would reclaim control of the canal, handed over to Panama in 1999 after treaties dating back decades. In reply, Panama filed a complaint with the United Nations, referencing an article in the UN Charter that bans threats to territorial integrity.

China also responded to Trump claims, saying it “never interfered in the affairs of the canal.” But irrespective of this controversy, Mulino was confident, explaining that he was “not worried” and Panama wouldn’t be “distracted by this kind of statement.” According to him, the situation may open avenues for further cooperation with the US on security and migration issues.

“We’re Taking it Back”: President Donald Trump On Panama Canal

January 21, 2025, 4:37 am

Claiming that China is “operating” the Panama Canal, President Donald Trump announced in his inaugural address on Monday that “we’re taking it back,” asserting that the United States has been treated “unfairly.”

After being sworn in as the 47th U.S. President at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Trump said, “The United States, I mean, think of this, spent more money than ever spent on a project before and lost 38 lives in the building of the Panama Canal. We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should never been made, and Panama’s promise to us has been broken.”

Following his victory in the U.S. presidential election last November, Trump threatened to take control of the canal, accusing Panama of imposing excessive fees on U.S. ships using one of the world’s busiest waterways.

“Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform in November.

The U.S. largely constructed the canal, completing it in 1914, and managed the surrounding territory for decades. Full control was transferred to Panama in 1999 after a period of joint administration.

During his inaugural address, Trump also highlighted concerns about China’s growing influence near the canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Additionally, Trump revealed plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico.

“America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on Earth — inspiring the awe and admiration of the entire world,” Trump declared. “A short time from now, we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.”

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States during the 60th Presidential Inauguration. U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office.

Panamanians Protest Trump’s Canal Threats, Honor 1964 Uprising Against US Control

January 10, 2025, 3:21 am

Hundreds of Panamanians today took to the streets to protest on the anniversary of the 1964 uprising against US control of the Panama Canal, with some setting fire to an effigy of US President-elect Donald Trump, who has recently threatened to reclaim the vital waterway.

In January 1964, more than 20 Panamanians, mostly students, were killed and hundreds injured when US security forces fired on mass demonstrations protesting American control of the canal. The unrest, which also killed at least three US soldiers, is seen as a turning point that ultimately resulted in the handover of the canal to Panama in 1999.

Sebastian Quiroz, an 84-year-old retired unionist and a student during the revolt, was quoted saying, “Today is a day to honour the sacrifices of our martyrs and reaffirm Panama’s sovereignty over the canal.”

Protesters chanted slogans like “spilled blood will never be forgotten” and “hands off Panama” as they marched toward the eternal flame monument, erected in honour of the 1964 victims. Earlier, President Jose Raul Mulino paid his tribute by laying a wreath at the site.

The recent remarks by Trump over taking control of the canal either through military force or economic sanctions touched off the protests. The canal itself is a waterway stretching 82 km (51 miles) between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and thus holds a critical position in the global shipping route. Trump condemned the cost price of the goods going through the canal and bemoaned the influence of China while Panama has great control over the canal.

Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha shot back at Trump’s threats, stating, “The only hands that control the canal are Panamanian.”

University worker Ivan Quintero attends the protest Trump. Quintero slammed Trump’s words, stating that Panamanians fought for sovereignty over the canal and demand respect from the US leader.

Trump Expansion Vision: Eyes Panama Canal And Greenland Won’t Rule Out Using Force

January 8, 2025, 2:21 am

US President-elect Donald Trump has presented an aggressive foreign policy agenda before his January 20th inauguration, refusing to rule out military or economic action in pursuit of acquiring the Panama Canal and Greenland. Trump’s remarks on Tuesday drew controversy as he also suggested turning Canada into a US state and demanded increased defense spending from NATO allies.

Expansionist Remarks Draw Criticism

Trump’s bellicose rhetoric over US territorial ambitions has raised eyebrows. Trump said he could not rule out coercive tactics in getting the Panama Canal and Greenland, saying that these were of utmost importance to US economic security. He discussed US military support for Canada and stated that the US would impose tariffs on Denmark if it spurned his Greenland offer. Despite Denmark’s stance that Greenland is not for sale, Trump remarks have stirred up tensions with allies.

NATO Spending and Middle East Concerns

In other news, he reiterated his insistence that NATO partners should raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, double the current minimum target of 2%. The remarks sounded much like past laments over how NATO members weren’t pulling their weight. The president also continued his unyielding approach on Middle Eastern diplomacy, warning, “All hell will break loose” in the Middle East unless Hamas releases its Israeli hostages.

Canada and Panama Respond

Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly quickly denounced Trump’s remarks, saying the country was strong and resilient in the face of threats. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino also ruled out any possibility of the United States taking back control of the Panama Canal, which the United States had transferred to Panama in 1999.

Trump’s Continuing Grievances

The press conference, held at his Mar-a-Lago estate, also included Trump complaining about his criminal indictments, with some familiar themes from his campaign re-emerging.

Panama Stands Firm Against Trump’s Canal Claims, Rejects Talks On Sovereignty

December 27, 2024, 4:44 am

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino categorically ruled out any talk with US President-elect Donald Trump on the issue of control over the Panama Canal. Mulino said that on Thursday in response to Trump’s recent statements which suggested that the canal must be returned to the United States.

“The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians,” Mulino said at a weekly press conference, dismissing the possibility of negotiations. He recalled that the canal was transferred to Panama in 1999 after the treaties signed by then-US President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos.

Trump had criticized Panama’s tolls for US ships by terming them unfair. He also hinted that the influence of China over the canal was increasing. “If Panama cannot control and effectively manage the operation, then the US will certainly ask for it back”, he warned.

Mulino dismissed Trump’s concerns, explaining that the canal’s usage fees are set through a long-established, transparent process, and reaffirmed that China has no involvement in the waterway.

Mulino’s comments followed protests in Panama City on Tuesday, where demonstrators gathered outside the US embassy, chanting “Trump, animal, leave the canal alone” and burning an image of the incoming president. The tensions reflect deep sensitivity in Panama over the canal’s sovereignty and its historical significance to the country.

Donald Trump Seeks Panama Canal Control Calls Fees ‘Ridiculous’ And Warns Of China’s Role

December 22, 2024, 10:26 pm

President-elect Donald Trump has suggested reclaiming US control of the Panama Canal, citing Panama’s allegedly exorbitant usage fees and potential risks of Chinese influence. In a Saturday evening post on Truth Social, Trump criticized the current management of the canal and warned against it falling into “the wrong hands.”

Trump’s comments referenced a Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchinson Holdings, which operates ports near the canal’s entrances. Although China does not control or administer the canal, Trump implied concerns about Beijing’s influence.

“The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially given the extraordinary generosity the US has shown,” Trump stated, asserting that the canal should be returned to the US if Panama fails to follow “moral and legal” principles.

The Panama Canal, critical for global trade and US imports, was built and managed by the US until its transfer to Panamanian control in 1999 under a bilateral treaty. The canal facilitates up to 14,000 ships annually, accounting for 2.5% of global seaborne trade.

Trump’s post marks a rare instance of a US leader suggesting territorial reclamation. Previously, Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland and joked about annexing Canada. Panama’s embassy in Washington has yet to comment on his statements.