In brief
As Trump hints at military action for the Panama Canal, Panama reinforces its sovereignty, stating it will remain under national control. Foreign Minister insists no offer was made, calling the canal's governance a significant historical achievement.
Panama has made it clear that its sovereignty over the Panama Canal is "non-negotiable," especially following comments from US President-elect Donald Trump, who suggested military options to regain control over it. This declaration comes just after Panama celebrated the 25th anniversary of the canal's handover, which was officially completed on December 31, 1999. At a news conference, Trump inaccurately alleged that Chinese soldiers operated the canal, prompting a strong response from Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha, who stated, "the only hands operating the canal are Panamanian, and that is how it is going to stay." Trump criticized the treaty initiated by former President Jimmy Carter and expressed interest in both the canal and Greenland. When asked if he would rule out military action to acquire them, he replied, "No, I can't assure you on either of those two." Nonetheless, Martínez-Acha confirmed that Panama had not received any offers from Trump and reiterated the country's commitment to its canal rights, framing them as part of its "irreversible conquest." While Panama's president, José Raúl Mulino, has yet to comment directly on Trump's statements, he emphasized at the anniversary event that control over the canal is assured. He also dismissed the notion of Chinese military presence in the canal as "nonsense." As the political landscape shifts, Panama seeks to maintain positive relations with future US administrations, asserting its autonomy and history.
