A Massachusetts lawmaker on a House committee focused on China's government told CNN on Friday afternoon he's seen no evidence to support Donald Trump's claim the country is essentially strongarming the Panama Canal, and said the president-elect's focus on the waterway "makes us look petulant."
Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) said that while two Hong Kong-based shipping companies are in the Canal Zone, he hasn't seen evidence that they present a "security threat" to the United States.
Auchincloss said he was on a multi-national team 10 years ago to help train Panamanian forces on how to patrol the canal zone.
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"I found the Panamanians to be professional, to be pro-American. These are our allies. The world, Jessica, is complicated enough without picking a fight with our friends, I would really encourage President Trump to look at the two hot wars that we've got to handle right now."
Trump has claimed the country for ships usinHe has also threatened to demand control of the canal to the United States.
“If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question," he said.
Trump has also claimed Chinese military personnel are overseeing the canal, a claim denied by the country's president, and has expressed concern the canal could be "falling into the wrong hands," referring to China.
When asked if he supports Trump's threats as a negotiating tactic, Auchincloss said the United States looks like bullies violating the decades-long idea of Pax Americana, in which America has supported and respected the rule of law "everywhere."
"And when we are seen to bully a small country like Panama, I don't think it makes us look strong or tough. I think it makes us look petulant."
Auchincloss also questioned Trump's logic, noting the president-elect purports to be worried about prices as he proposes tariffs, which experts agree will likely lead to price increases for U.S. consumers.
"Those are going to raise costs for food and for car insurance and for housing for American families far more than the rates the Panama Canal Zone are charging," said Auchincloss.
