Panama Rejects Trump’s Call to Reclaim Canal Control/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump’s call to reclaim the Panama Canal sparked nationalist outrage and concerns in Panama, a nation familiar with U.S. military intervention. Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected the idea, while citizens expressed fears over Trump’s threats, including the potential use of military force. The canal, a symbol of Panamanian pride, remains under Panama’s control since its 1999 handover.
Panama’s Reaction to Trump’s Canal Comments Quick Looks
- Trump’s Claim: Says U.S. ships are overcharged and unfairly treated.
- Panama’s Response: President Mulino asserts the canal belongs to Panama.
- Historical Context: U.S. handed over canal control in 1999 after decades of control.
- China’s Role: Canal administrator denies Chinese control, citing fair operations.
- Citizens’ Concerns: Panamanians recall past U.S. intervention and fear military threats.
Panama Rejects Trump’s Call to Reclaim Canal Control
Deep Look
Panama Pushes Back Against Trump’s Canal Comments
Introduction: A Renewed Canal Controversy
President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. should reclaim control of the Panama Canal has reignited nationalist sentiment and unease in Panama. Trump’s comments Monday, including accusations of overcharging U.S. ships and claims of Chinese control, have drawn sharp criticism from Panamanian leaders and citizens.
“The canal belongs to Panama and will remain Panama’s territory,” said President José Raúl Mulino in a forceful rebuttal to Trump’s remarks.
Trump’s Canal Criticism and Military Threats
During his inaugural address, Trump described the Panama Canal as mishandled, stating that its handover in 1999 under President Jimmy Carter was a mistake. He accused Panama of unfairly charging American ships and implied that China was exerting control over the vital waterway.
Trump has even floated the possibility of using military force to retake the canal, echoing rhetoric he used at a December rally in Phoenix.
“American ships are being severely overcharged,” Trump claimed. “And above all, China is operating the Panama Canal.”
Panama’s Pride and History of U.S. Intervention
The Panama Canal is a symbol of national pride for Panamanians, who celebrated the 25th anniversary of the canal’s handover from U.S. control on December 31.
The canal’s handover followed decades of U.S. oversight, which often spurred tensions. Protests in 1964 over the inability to fly Panama’s flag in the U.S.-controlled canal zone escalated into clashes that left 21 Panamanians dead. More recently, Panama commemorated the 1989 U.S. invasion to remove dictator Manuel Noriega, which devastated parts of the country.
“We should be worried,” said real estate worker Omayra Avendaño. “We don’t have an army, and he’s said he would use force.”
Chinese Involvement: Myth or Reality?
Trump’s claim that China operates the canal has been debunked by Panama Canal administrator Ricaurte Vásquez. He explained that the canal remains neutral and treats all nations equally under international agreements.
While Chinese companies operate ports near the canal, they are part of a Hong Kong consortium that secured contracts in a 1997 bidding process. Other companies from the U.S. and Taiwan also operate along the canal.
Panama’s Call for International Support
Amid fears of U.S. intervention, some Panamanians are urging the government to seek international backing to counter Trump’s rhetoric.
“I remember the disaster that it was,” Avendaño said of the 1989 U.S. invasion. She hopes Panama’s leaders will act swiftly to prevent a repeat of history.
Conclusion: A Test of Sovereignty
Trump’s remarks have struck a nerve in Panama, a country that has fought hard to assert its sovereignty over the canal. While Panamanian officials remain adamant that the canal will not return to U.S. control, Trump’s threats have underscored the enduring sensitivities surrounding one of the world’s most strategic trade routes.
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