Reiterating that its sovereignty over the Panama Canal is “non-negotiable,” Panama has responded to remarks made by US President-elect Donald Trump, who floated the idea of using military action to grab control of the vital Canal. During a news conference, the comments immediately caused a reaction from Panama, with the foreign minister underlining that the Panama Canal would stay under Panamanian ownership.
Why Is the Canal Handover Controversial, and What Said Trump About It?
During his Tuesday news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said that the 1977 pact signed by late US President Jimmy Carter to restore Panama’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal was “a big mistake.” Trump’s remarks on the Panama Canal immediately generated debate, especially when he incorrectly asserted—a claim not supported by any actual data—that Chinese forces were running the Canal.
“The only hands operating the canal are Panamanian and that is how it is going to stay,” remarked Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha of Panama. “Our history of struggle and an irreversible conquest define the sovereignty of our Panama Canal; it is not negotiable.”
Why would Trump show interest in Greenland and the Canal?
Apart from his remarks on the Panama Canal, Trump revived his interest in acquiring Greenland, a self-governing region of Denmark. Observers were alarmed by the president-elect’s remark that he would try to buy Greenland and the Panama Canal, which begged more questions about his intentions over these areas.
Trump’s response was opaque when reporters questioned whether he would rule out using military or financial means to seize the two areas. “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two,” he answered, not committing himself to the topic.
Has Trump sent Panama any offers on the Canal?
Following Trump’s remarks, Javier Martínez-Acha, Panama’s foreign minister, stressed that no such offer had been extended. “Trump’s opinions today that he has discussed a certain amount of money are not true,” Martínez-Acha said. “Let it be clear; no offer has been received.”
The foreign minister’s comments highlight Panama’s consistent stance on control of the Panama Canal. “The Panama Canal is ours, and that is not up for debate,” he said, stressing once more how distant from reality any idea of ceding sovereignty was.
How has Panama's leadership responded to Trump's comments?
Although José Raúl Mulino, the president of Panama, has not yet publicly responded to Trump’s most recent remarks, in a speech commemorating the 25th anniversary of the handover of the Panama Canal from the US to Panama on December 31, Mulino reassured both nationals and the international community alike. Mulino said, “Rest assured, it will stay in our control forever,” underlining the nation’s desire to keep complete authority over the Panama Canal.
Mulino denied any foreign military presence once more, having already shown annoyance at Trump’s false assertions about Chinese involvement in the Canal. Trying to refute false information that has persisted in the media, he said, “There are no Chinese soldiers in the Panama Canal, for the love of God.”
How is Panama expected to negotiate future relations with the US?
Officials have made it apparent that Panama is still open to preserving close ties with the United States under both present President Joe Biden and Trump, even while the Panamanian government has not yet engaged in official conversations with the impending Trump administration.
Joe Biden is in charge of the US government till January 20. From January 20, we will handle Mr. Trump and his government, stated the Panamanian Foreign Minister. “Panama is eager to maintain great relations with several governments and collaborate.”
The comments indicate Panama’s will to maintain control over the Panama Canal and diplomatic relations with world powers despite political changes, therefore attesting to its sovereignty. Panama’s leadership prioritizes national interests and international collaboration while preserving its past successes.
