This article covers the ongoing tensions surrounding control and fees of the Panama Canal, as well as US demands regarding China's influence over the key waterway.
Panama Rejects US Assertions About Free Canal Transit Privileges
Panama Rejects US Assertions About Free Canal Transit Privileges
Claims from the US government regarding free transit through the Panama Canal for its vessels have been firmly denied by Panama.
In recent developments, Panama has officially rejected assertions made by the United States government that it has agreed to allow American vessels to transit the Panama Canal free of charge. The White House touted these claims as a way to save significant funds for the US government, stating that its vessels could now dock without transit fees.
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP), however, swiftly countered these statements, asserting its mandate to control tolls and fees associated with the canal. "No changes have been made to existing fees," they stated, reinforcing their operational sovereignty over the vital waterway.
Relations have grown tense, particularly with US President Donald Trump expressing a desire for greater American control over the canal, a key artery for international trade. During recent diplomatic engagements, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the necessity for immediate adjustments from Panama to curb China's alleged influence over the canal’s operations, warning of US actions to secure its rights as outlined in a bilateral treaty.
Panama's response has been clear; President José Raúl Mulino reiterated the canal’s ongoing administration by Panama and dismissed Trump's claims regarding foreign interference, emphasizing that they do not acknowledge any external control over their governance.
The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, sees a considerable amount of US merchant traffic—52% of transits had US ports involved in 2024.
Trump's previous statements during his term included aspirations to reclaim the canal, which had been transferred back to Panama following a treaty in 1977 under President Jimmy Carter. This treaty was a contentious topic, with Trump labeling it a "big mistake."
Panama remains adamant that the canal's operations and management firmly reside with them and is open to ensuing discussions with the US navy about transit priorities, aiming to uphold a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship.
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP), however, swiftly countered these statements, asserting its mandate to control tolls and fees associated with the canal. "No changes have been made to existing fees," they stated, reinforcing their operational sovereignty over the vital waterway.
Relations have grown tense, particularly with US President Donald Trump expressing a desire for greater American control over the canal, a key artery for international trade. During recent diplomatic engagements, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the necessity for immediate adjustments from Panama to curb China's alleged influence over the canal’s operations, warning of US actions to secure its rights as outlined in a bilateral treaty.
Panama's response has been clear; President José Raúl Mulino reiterated the canal’s ongoing administration by Panama and dismissed Trump's claims regarding foreign interference, emphasizing that they do not acknowledge any external control over their governance.
The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, sees a considerable amount of US merchant traffic—52% of transits had US ports involved in 2024.
Trump's previous statements during his term included aspirations to reclaim the canal, which had been transferred back to Panama following a treaty in 1977 under President Jimmy Carter. This treaty was a contentious topic, with Trump labeling it a "big mistake."
Panama remains adamant that the canal's operations and management firmly reside with them and is open to ensuing discussions with the US navy about transit priorities, aiming to uphold a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship.
