Trump's threat: Panama Canal under military control?

Trump's threat: Panama Canal under military control?

In an explosive dispute over control and influence in the Panama Canal, Donald Trump has again made claims that China operates the strategically important waterway in Central America. During his take office, he said: "China runs the Panama Canal that we did not hand over to China. We handed it over to Panama and take it back", which was quickly rejected in Panama and Beijing, like vienna.at reported. Trump even did not rule out a military strike to defend US interests in the canal.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio underpins these claims during a visit to Panama, where he addressed the inadmissibility of China's influence. In addition, US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth spoke to Panama's Security Minister Frank Ábrego, with the national security of the United States and a unhindered access to the channel being highest priority. The talks shed light on the tensions between the USA and China, because while Trump and his government are increasingly criticizing the alleged Chinese influences, China is the second largest user of the channel with a share of 21.4 % in the freight volume, such as BBC reported.

strategic importance of the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a vital waterway that connects the Atlantic with the Pacific and uses over 14,000 ships annually. Historically, control over this channel was a hot iron. It was built by the United States and remained under American control until 1977 before he was gradually handed over to Panama after a contract. Despite this agreement, the United States has the right to intervene militarily if the neutrality of the canal is threatened.

The concerns about China's growing influence are reflected in the activities of Hutchison Ports PPC, which operate container terminals on both sides of the channel. Since this company is part of a Hong Kong group of companies that operates numerous international business, fears are circulating in Washington that Beijing could gain more control through this private infrastructure. Trump also sees economic threats to the United States in this complicated geopolitical game, while the Chinese government emphasizes that its support for Panama is based on partnership principles.