International News: Panama asserts Sovereignty over canal after Trump comments

Posted: Friday, January 10, 2025. 9:23 am CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Panama has reaffirmed its sovereignty over the Panama Canal, declaring it “non-negotiable” after US President-elect Donald Trump suggested military force could be used to seize control, BBC reports.

During a news conference on Tuesday, Trump criticized the 1999 treaty under which the US handed control of the canal to Panama and falsely claimed it was being operated by Chinese soldiers.

He also hinted at renewed interest in purchasing both the canal and Greenland.

When asked if he would rule out military or economic force to acquire them, Trump responded, “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two.”

Panama’s Foreign Minister, Javier Martínez-Acha, quickly responded, saying, “The only hands operating the canal are Panamanian, and that is how it will stay.”

He also clarified that Panama had not received any offer from Trump regarding the canal.

The Panama Canal, once managed by the US, was transferred to Panama under the 1977 treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter. In a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the handover, President José Raúl Mulino assured that the canal would remain in Panama’s control “forever.”

Mulino and his government have repeatedly refuted claims of Chinese influence in the canal, with Mulino emphasizing, “There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal, for the love of God.”

Panama maintains it is open to cooperation with all governments, but emphasized that the canal’s sovereignty is a matter of national pride and irreversible history.

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