Russia Has a Strong Message for President Donald Trump: Hands Off the Panama Canal
Is Putin mad that Trump recently said that Putin is “destroying Russia”?
Trump’s Claim
Donald Trump has reignited controversy with his bold declarations about the Panama Canal. In his speeches both before and during his inauguration, Trump asserted that the United States should “take back” the Panama Canal, citing overcharges and alleging Chinese control.
- Trump accused China of operating the canal, despite historical records showing it was handed over to Panama in 1977 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.
- He criticised Panama for supposedly allowing a foreign adversary of the United States to influence the canal, emphasizing that the US built the canal at great cost, including the loss of American lives, and later gifted it to Panama in good faith.
Russia’s Response
Russia wasted no time in responding to Trump’s provocative statements. The Russian foreign ministry released a statement defending Panama’s legal ownership of the canal and calling for respect for international agreements.
- Alexander Shchetinin, the director of Russia’s Latin American department, underscored the canal’s status as a neutral waterway under international law.
- He warned the US against any military or economic measures aimed at reclaiming control, describing such actions as a violation of Panama’s sovereignty and a threat to global stability.
Panama’s Stance
Panama’s leadership responded firmly to Trump’s rhetoric. President José Raúl Mulino rejected the US President’s claims and reiterated Panama’s full ownership and stewardship of the canal.
- Mulino declared Panama’s control over the canal as “non-negotiable.”
- He emphasised that the canal is a source of national pride and that its operations are entirely under Panamanian authority.
Strategic Importance of the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal remains a linchpin of global maritime trade, and its strategic importance to the United States cannot be overstated.
- Approximately 40% of US container ships transit the canal annually.
- By connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the canal enables efficient trade routes and bolsters economic ties between nations.
Geopolitical Implications
Trump’s remarks have triggered international scrutiny, with analysts pointing to the potential for escalating tensions between the US, Panama, and other global powers. Russia’s swift defence of Panama highlights the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that define modern geopolitics. As the world watches Trump’s next moves, the Panama Canal emerges as a symbol of both historical legacy and contemporary global power struggles.
