The US president-elect, Donald Trump, criticized what he deemed unfair fees imposed on US ships transiting the Panama Canal and threatened to seek the reinstatement of control over the waterway to Washington.
Mr. Trump also pointed out the increasing influence of China in relation to the canal, which raises concerns for American interests, as US businesses rely heavily on the channel for transporting goods between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
In a message on his Truth Social platform, he stated, “Our Navy and Commerce have been subjected to very unfair and imprudent treatment. The fees imposed by Panama are outrageous.”
“This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will be brought to an end immediately; it was meant solely for Panama to oversee, not China or anyone else.”
Panama took complete control of the canal in 1999.
He further asserted that if Panama fails to ensure “the secure, efficient, and reliable operation” of the channel, “then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without doubt.”
Officials in Panama did not respond immediately to Trump’s comments.
Even though he officially assumes office next month, Mr. Trump has been leveraging his political influence during the closing days of President Joe Biden’s administration.
The real estate entrepreneur claimed on the campaign trail that his background uniquely positions him to advocate for US business interests.
An estimated five percent of global maritime traffic passes through the Panama Canal, allowing ships traveling between Asia and the US East Coast to bypass the long and perilous route around the southern tip of South America.
The primary users of this passage include the US, China, Japan, and South Korea.
The Panama Canal Authority reported in October that the waterway generated record revenues nearing $5 billion in the most recent fiscal year.
