In brief
In the wake of Trump's hints at military force to reclaim the Panama Canal, Panama firmly maintains its sovereignty over the waterway, asserting that its control is non-negotiable and not influenced by external powers.
In a robust denial of US President-elect Donald Trump's controversial remarks, Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha affirmed that the sovereignty of the Panama Canal rest solely in Panamanian hands and is beyond negotiation. Trump's comments, made during a recent news conference, suggested a potential military approach to regain control of the canal, which was returned to Panama in a historic treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. "The only hands operating the canal are Panamanian," Martínez-Acha emphasized, asserting their commitment to maintaining control over the vital shipping route which was officially returned to Panama on December 31, 1999, marking its 25th anniversary recently. Trump described the decision to relinquish US control as a "big mistake" and expressed interest not only in the Panama Canal but also in purchasing Greenland, which is self-governed by Denmark. Responding to queries about possible military or economic force, Trump admitted he could not rule out such actions. Subsequently, Martínez-Acha clarified that no offers had been extended from Trump’s administration concerning the canal and denied any assertions regarding Chinese military presence. He defended Panama's right to its historical sovereignty and core autonomy, stating, "Our canal's sovereignty is not negotiable." Furthermore, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino, while participating in a recent anniversary event, assured attendees that the canal would remain under Panamanian control indefinitely, countering Trump's claims that the canal had ties to Chinese military interests. The president’s previous frustrations had been evident, as he previously refuted Trump's claims, insisting that there were no Chinese military personnel present in the canal, remarking, “for the love of God.” As the political landscape shifts with Trump’s incoming administration, Panama seeks to sustain amicable relations and cooperation with the US, emphasizing that their sovereignty is a matter of national pride and an irreversible part of their history.
