Donald Trump recently made a
controversial statement, by threatening to take control of the Panama Canal
after criticising Panama for what he called “ridiculous” fees charged to U.S.
ships passing through the waterway. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the U.S. Navy and U.S.
Commerce had been treated “unfairly” by Panama, accusing the country of
charging excessive fees for the use of the canal.
The Panama Canal, an 82-kilometre
waterway which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is one of the most
important trade routes in the world, handling about 5% of global maritime
traffic. It was originally
built in the early 20th century and was under U.S. control until 1999 when it
was transferred to Panama under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.
Trump called the fees a “rip-off” during
his recent speech in Arizona. He also mentioned China’s involvement in the region
and said that the canal should remain under Panama’s control but without
interference from any foreign powers, including China.