Panama’s President asserts to Trump that the canal “is and will remain” under Panamanian control

In his second inaugural address on Monday, President Donald Trump portrayed himself as a champion of peace while simultaneously pledging that the United States would reclaim control of the Panama Canal.

In a development that has escalated tensions, former President Donald Trump has issued a vague threat, yet to be clarified, following a prolonged period of ambiguity regarding potential military actions against Panama. This comes in light of the strategic significance of the Panama Canal, a critical waterway that was officially transferred to Panamanian control by the United States back in 1999.

Following his inauguration at the US Capitol, former President Donald Trump addressed the nation’s concerns, asserting that although the United States had transferred control of the Panama Canal to Panama, he claimed China was now operating it. He further declared an intent to reassert American influence over the strategic waterway.

Panama continues to exercise control over the Panama Canal; however, Chinese enterprises have been gradually expanding their influence and presence surrounding this crucial maritime passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has categorically refuted claims of foreign interference in the operation of the Panama Canal, affirming that the waterway is managed under a strict policy of neutrality.

President Jose Raul Mulino issued a statement on social media, emphatically rejecting the remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

“The canal belongs to Panama and will continue to do so,” he stated, refuting claims made by former President Donald Trump that China is controlling the canal’s operations.

Mulino stated that no country in the world currently exerts any form of interference.

The canal, constructed by the United States, began operations in 1914.

The Panama Canal was officially transferred to Panamanian control on December 31, 1999, following agreements reached approximately twenty years prior between then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos.