Washington DC [US]: In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, US President-elect Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Panama, insisting that the Panama Canal is a “vital asset” of the United States and must not fall into the “wrong hands,” particularly referencing concerns about Chinese influence.
Trump emphasized the strategic importance of the canal to the United States, describing it as essential for both national security and economic stability.
“The Panama Canal is considered a VITAL National Asset for the United States, due to its critical role to America’s Economy and National Security. A secure Panama Canal is crucial for US Commerce, and rapid deployment of the Navy, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and drastically cuts shipping times to US ports. The United States is the Number One user of the Canal, with over 70 per cent of all transits heading to, or from, US ports,” he stated.
The President-elect also criticized former US President Jimmy Carter for transferring control of the canal to Panama, calling the move a “foolish” decision. Trump underscored the sacrifices made by Americans during the canal’s construction, which cost thousands of lives.
“Considered one of the Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal opened for business 110 years ago, and was built at HUGE cost to the United States in lives and treasure – 38,000 American men died from infected mosquitos in the jungles during construction. Teddy Roosevelt was President of the United States at the time of its building, and understood the strength of Naval Power and Trade. When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for One Dollar, during his term in Office, it was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else,” Trump said.
He went on to accuse Panama of charging unfair fees for the canal’s usage, particularly targeting US naval and commercial operations.
“It was likewise not given for Panama to charge the United States, its Navy, and corporations, doing business within our Country, exorbitant prices and rates of passage. Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the US. This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop,” Trump declared.
The President-elect reaffirmed that the United States has a vested interest in the canal’s secure and reliable operation and vowed to prevent it from being mismanaged or controlled by other entities.
“The United States has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that was always understood. We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but merely as a token of cooperation with us and Panama. 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 us, in full, and without question. To the Officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!”
Built in 1914, the Panama Canal stands as a testament to American engineering and economic strength. While US control of the canal strained relations with Panama in later years, it was initially celebrated as a monumental foreign policy accomplishment.