Donald Trump has sparked controversy by demanding the return of the Panama Canal to the United States. He alleges the canal's current management under Panama is unfair, charging exorbitant fees to US companies and the Navy. Trump also expressed concern about China's influence, vowing to prevent the canal from falling into 'wrong hands'. Panama's President has refuted these claims, stating that China has no control over the canal and that it remains fully under Panamanian ownership.
Donald Trump The claims have been refuted by Panama but Trump has stood by his comments. Here’s what he has said and what is behind his recent outburst.Speaking at AmericaFest on Sunday, Trump asked the crowd: “Has anyone ever heard of the Panama Canal ?” Because we’re being ripped off at the Panama Canal like we’re being ripped off everywhere else. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, highly unfair.
It came a day after he took to Truth Social saying the Panama Canal was a “vital national asset” for the US. He said: “Every square metre of the Panama Canal and the surrounding area belongs to Panama and will continue belonging .”The 51-mile waterway in Panama connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean and is a major conduit for maritime trade.
In September 1977, the Torrijos-Carter Treaties were signed by US president Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos, leader of Panama, starting the process of granting free control of the canal to Panama as long as it guaranteed permanent neutrality of the waterway. It is critical to US imports of cars and commercial goods by container ship from Asia, and for US exports of commodities, such as liquefied natural gas.
The ACP has allowed more ships to use the canal in 2024 to ease congestion, but it will increase charges and introduce some additional fees on 1 January 2025.
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