Panama asserts sovereignty over canal amid Trump’s remarks
Panama has firmly declared its sovereignty over the Panama Canal as “non-negotiable” following controversial remarks by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who refused to rule out using military force to seize it.
Trump made the statement during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, where he also falsely claimed that Chinese soldiers were operating the canal. In response, Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha emphasized that the canal remains under Panamanian control, stating, “The only hands operating the canal are Panamanian, and that is how it is going to stay.”
The Panama Canal, a vital trade route, was managed by the U.S. for decades but was handed over to Panama on 31 December 1999, under a treaty signed by U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1977.
During the news conference, Trump criticized Carter’s decision to return the canal as “a big mistake” and expressed interest in acquiring both the Panama Canal and Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark. When pressed on whether he would rule out using military or economic force to gain control of these territories, Trump declined to provide assurances.
Panama’s foreign minister dismissed the claims, clarifying that no offer had been received from Trump. “Our canal’s sovereignty is not negotiable and is part of our history of struggle and an irreversible conquest,” Martínez-Acha asserted.
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has not directly commented on Trump’s remarks but reaffirmed the nation’s control of the canal during a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of its handover. Addressing attendees, he said, “Rest assured, it will stay in our control forever.”
Mulino also rejected claims of Chinese influence over the canal, calling them “nonsense.” His administration reiterated that Panama is committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations, stating, “Until 20 January, the U.S. government is led by Joe Biden. From 20 January, we will deal with Mr. Trump and his government.”
The Panama Canal remains a symbol of national pride and independence for Panama, with its sovereignty a cornerstone of the country’s history and identity.
Source: BBC
