Since returning to the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to \"take back\" the Panama Canal, alleging—falsely—that it is operated by China. This bold stance reveals a potential agenda to resurrect the infamous Monroe Doctrine, originally established in 1823 to limit European expansion and promote American interests, as a pathway to achieving a \"Golden Age of America.\"
As U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks on his first official trip to Central America, including a stop in Panama, global observers are concerned about Trump's objectives, the tactics he might employ, and whether he will succeed in pressuring the region to meet his demands. Understanding these developments is critical to assessing the direction of Trump's foreign policy and its implications for the international order.
Trump's Assertions and Panama's Response
The Panama Canal is a vital waterway linking the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, with approximately 14,000 ships passing through annually, accounting for around five percent of global maritime trade.
The United States controlled the canal from the early 20th century until 1999, when it was handed over to the Panamanian government in accordance with treaties signed in the 1970s. Now, eyeing its strategic importance, Trump seeks to renegotiate these agreements and restore U.S. control.
To justify this move, Trump has criticized the canal being \"foolishly given to Panama\" and accuses the country of charging U.S. ships \"exorbitant\" fees. He also claims that China is operating the canal, citing national security concerns as justification for an American takeover.
Panama has firmly rejected these assertions. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino labeled Trump's claims as \"nonsense,\" stating that the canal \"was not a gift\" from the United States.
While China is the second-largest user of the canal and a significant investor in Panama's infrastructure—as Panama is the first Latin American country to join the Belt and Road Initiative—both the Panamanian government and China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs have clarified that China does not participate in the management or operation of the canal and has never interfered in its affairs.
Possible Actions and Global Implications
Trump has hinted at taking back the canal by force, potentially invoking the 1977 Neutrality Treaty, which allows the U.S. to ensure the canal's neutrality through military means if necessary. Such a move is seen by many as a pressure tactic to extract concessions from Panama.
Economic measures may also be considered. Trump could use tariffs as a coercive tool, similar to strategies employed in other international negotiations. His goal appears to be to encourage the Panamanian government to limit its engagements with China and reassert U.S. influence in the region.
Support from the Republican-controlled Congress strengthens Trump's position. Recent legislative actions include resolutions urging Panama to reduce political and economic ties with China and proposals authorizing negotiations for the U.S. to reacquire control over the canal. These moves could further empower Trump's approach.
These developments raise significant questions about the future of U.S.-Panama relations and the broader impact on international trade and diplomacy. Observers around the world are closely monitoring the situation to understand how these tensions might unfold and what they mean for global stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
