Panama’s president, in response to recent comments made by Donald Trump, stated that the Panama Canal will not be under U.S. control. José Raúl Molino added that Panama’s sovereignty and independence are non-negotiable. Trump had previously threatened Panama, stating that the U.S. would reclaim control of the Panama Canal.
Donald Trump criticized Panama’s policy of imposing high tariffs on U.S. military and commercial ships in a post on Truth Social. He warned that if Panama continued this policy, the U.S. would seek to regain full control of the Panama Canal.
On Saturday, December 21, Trump emphasized the vital importance of the Panama Canal for the U.S. economy and national security, noting that the U.S. had incurred significant financial and human costs in building the canal. He described Panama’s imposition of high tariffs on U.S. ships as “unfair and unwise.”
In response to Trump’s claim about the high tariffs for ships passing through the Panama Canal, Panama’s president explained that these tariffs are publicly set based on market conditions, international competition, current prices, and the need for maintenance and modernization.
At the same time, he emphasized that Panama remains committed to maintaining “good and respectful relations” with the future Trump administration.
These exchanges highlight ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Panama regarding the canal’s management and tariffs. While President Molino reaffirmed Panama’s sovereignty, Trump’s comments reflect a broader debate over the economic control and strategic significance of the Panama Canal.
It remains to be seen how these diplomatic disagreements will evolve, but both sides have emphasized the importance of maintaining a working relationship. The issue of the canal, which remains a critical global shipping route, is likely to continue shaping U.S.-Panama relations in the future.
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