Panama Asserts Sovereignty Over Canal Amid Trump’s Comments

After President-elect Donald Trump hinted at military options regarding the Panama Canal, Panama's officials reaffirmed their sovereignty and control over the waterway, which has been under Panamanian governance since 1999.

Panama has strongly reiterated its unassailable sovereignty over the Panama Canal, pushing back against comments made by President-elect Donald Trump, who suggested he might use military force to claim control. During a press conference, Trump inaccurately claimed that the canal was operated by "Chinese soldiers" and criticized the 1977 treaty that transferred control from the United States to Panama, calling it a "big mistake".

Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha made it clear that the canal's management remained firmly in Panamanian hands. "The only hands operating the canal are Panamanian and that is how it is going to stay," he asserted, emphasizing the nation's commitment to its territorial integrity and historical struggles for autonomy.

Trump, during a conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, refused to dismiss the possibility of using military or economic force for acquiring both the Panama Canal and Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark. Martínez-Acha responded directly, stating, "No kind of offer has been received, let it be clear," and reaffirmed that Panama's sovereignty over the canal is "non-negotiable."

The foreign minister also mentioned that "until January 20, the US government is led by Joe Biden. From January 20, we will deal with Mr. Trump and his government," projecting an eagerness for cooperation, irrespective of the upcoming transition.

The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, has previously expressed concern over Trump's assertions regarding Chinese influence over the canal, labeling such claims as nonsensical. During the recent celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the canal handover, Mulino emphasized the permanence of Panamanian control, stating, "it will stay in our control forever."

As both nations prepare to navigate their future relations, Panama stands firm in its commitment to sovereignty and historical responsibility over the canal, determined to reject any foreign claims to it.