In his inaugural speech this week, U.S. President Donald Trump reignited global debate by declaring his intention to take back control of the Panama Canal. The unexpected announcement has sent shockwaves through international communities, stirring tensions between the United States and Panama.
\"We're taking it back,\" declared the 47th President, vowing to restore America to a \"golden age.\" Despite pledging to be \"a peacemaker and a unifier,\" Trump's remarks included the possibility of using military force, a point that has alarmed many.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino swiftly responded, firmly rejecting Trump's claims. \"I must completely reject the remarks made by President Donald Trump… the canal belongs and will continue to belong to Panama,\" Mulino stated in a letter to the United Nations on Tuesday, citing international law that prohibits the use of force against sovereign nations.
The Panama Canal, handed over to Panama under the Torrijos-Carter Treaty in 1999 during the Clinton administration, is a symbol of national pride and an essential economic asset for the country. \"The canal is not a concession from anyone but the result of generational struggles by Panamanians,\" Mulino emphasized.
Panamanians from all walks of life have expressed their dismay at the U.S. President's statements. Milena Marin, a renowned environmentalist, remarked, \"First of all, the Panama Canal belongs to the Panamanians. Trump's claims have a negative impact since these statements affect both the environment and the brand of the country.\"
Adding to the controversy, Trump has accused China of operating the canal without providing evidence. According to data from the Panama Maritime Authority, while Chinese companies manage two ports on either side of the canal, accounting for 39% of the market share, an American-managed port accounts for 29%. These figures highlight the canal's role as a critical hub in global maritime trade involving multiple nations.
The international community watches closely as tensions rise. Trump's bold stance on the Panama Canal raises questions about future U.S. foreign policy and its implications for global trade and diplomacy.
