A heated exchange erupts between President-elect Donald Trump and Panama's President José Raúl Mulino over the future of the Panama Canal.
According to Breitbart News, Trump has responded to Mulino's firm stance on Panama's sovereignty over the canal with a terse "We'll see about that" after claiming the vital trade route should return to U.S. control.
The dispute began when Trump expressed concerns about the canal's management and pricing structure on Truth Social. He emphasized the historical significance of the canal to American interests, noting that it handles over 70 percent of transits involving U.S. ports. Trump also highlighted the tremendous cost to American lives during its construction, citing 38,000 deaths from mosquito-borne illnesses.
President Mulino strongly defended Panama's ownership rights in a video statement. He asserted that every square meter of the canal belonged to Panama and rejected any notion of foreign control, whether by China, the United States, or other nations. His response underscored Panama's commitment to maintaining independent control over the strategic waterway.
The conflict centers on Trump's allegations of "exorbitant prices" being charged for passage through the canal. He criticized the decision by former President Jimmy Carter to transfer control of the canal to Panama for a symbolic payment of one dollar, suggesting this arrangement was meant solely for Panamanian management rather than potential influence from other nations.
Mulino countered Trump's pricing accusations by explaining that canal rates undergo a transparent process. He emphasized that fees are established through public hearings and consider various factors, including market conditions, international competition, and maintenance needs.
Trump positioned the Panama Canal as a vital national asset for the United States in his social media posts. He specifically addressed its importance for U.S. Navy operations, highlighting how the waterway enables rapid deployment between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
The president-elect expressed particular concern about alleged Chinese involvement in canal management. His statements suggested that Panama's current operation of the canal diverges from the original transfer agreement's intent, especially regarding pricing policies affecting U.S. military and commercial interests.
These developments occur against the backdrop of increasing global competition for control over strategic maritime routes. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between historical U.S. interests in the region and Panama's assertion of its sovereign rights.
The exchange between Trump and Mulino raises questions about future U.S.-Panama relations. Trump's statement indicates potential policy changes regarding the canal if he returns to office, while Panama maintains its position on sovereignty.
President Mulino summarized his country's stance with this statement:
As President, I want to express clearly that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zone belongs to Panama, and will continue to do so. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable. The Canal is not under direct or indirect control, neither by China, nor by the European Community, nor by the United States, nor by any other power. As a Panamanian, I strongly reject any manifestation that distorts this reality.
Trump's response suggests possible future confrontations over canal management and access policies. The situation underscores broader questions about international maritime control and regional influence in Latin America.
The dispute between President-elect Donald Trump and Panama's President José Raúl Mulino over the Panama Canal has evolved into a significant diplomatic challenge. Trump's claims about U.S. rights to the canal and accusations of unfair pricing have met strong resistance from Panama's leadership, who maintain their sovereign control over the vital waterway. As this situation develops, the international community watches closely to see how this conflict over one of the world's most strategic maritime passages will unfold.
