Russia has made a compelling appeal to President Donald Trump over the sovereignty of the Panama Canal amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Trump suggests re-acquiring the Panama Canal, invoking concerns of Chinese influence.
- Russia warns against changes to the canal’s sovereignty and emphasizes international treaties.
- Panama President Mulino rejects Trump’s claims, reaffirming Panamanian control.
- The canal’s neutrality has been a longstanding international agreement.
Trump’s Bold Assertations
During his second inaugural address, President Donald Trump articulated bold ambitions regarding the Panama Canal, echoing a past doctrine of “Manifest Destiny.” Trump raised concerns over alleged Chinese operations at the canal, suggesting an American reacquisition. Despite the canal being transferred from U.S. control to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter, the idea of returning control to the U.S. has unsettled many.
Central to Trump’s claims was the notion that American ships faced unfair treatment in canal operations, with allegations of favoritism towards Chinese interests. “American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form, and that includes the United States Navy. And above all, China is operating the Panama Canal,” Trump said Monday. His rhetoric has stirred diplomatic potencies, not least with Russia.
Russian Concerns and Warnings
In reaction to Trump’s statements, Russia stepped forward, counseling the U.S. to adhere to the status quo regarding canal governance. “Russia has been a party to the protocol since 1988 and confirms its obligations to observe the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal, advocating for keeping this international transit waterway safe and open,” stated Alexander Shchetinin, an important voice from Russia’s Latin American Department.
“Russia has been a party to the protocol since 1988 and confirms its obligations to observe the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal, advocating for keeping this international transit waterway safe and open.” – Alexander Shchetinin
The Russian government further emphasized the mutual responsibility of both Panama and the U.S. to maintain the canal’s impartiality. Given its critical role in global trade, any territorial or operational upheaval to the Panama Canal would pose significant geopolitical challenges.
Panama’s Resilient Stand
Panama, through President José Raúl Mulino, has remained resolute in countering Trump’s implications, fortifying their claim over the canal’s administration. “The Canal is and will continue to be Panama’s and its administration will continue to be under Panamanian control with respect to its permanent neutrality,” Mulino asserted, staving off rumors of foreign dominance. Panama maintains full control over canal operations since the handover at the twilight of the 20th century.
“The Canal is and will continue to be Panama’s and its administration will continue to be under Panamanian control with respect to its permanent neutrality.” – José Raúl Mulino
Despite apprehensions over the role of Hutchison Ports PPC, a company based in Hong Kong managing ports at the canal’s ends, Panama denies any detrimental foreign influence. With 40% of U.S. container traffic relying on this 51-mile key route, a change in governance could ripple across transcontinental trade corridors, necessitating vigilant international dialogue and diplomacy moving forward.
Sources
1. Russia sounds off on Trump’s threat to retake the Panama Canal
2. Russia warns Trump against seizing Panama Canal
