Panama Stands Firm on Canal Sovereignty Amid Trump’s Controversial Remarks

Following President-elect Trump's statements regarding the Panama Canal, Panama's officials confidently reiterated their sovereignty, decrying any notion of military or economic force being used to reclaim the canal, which was handed over 25 years ago.

Panama has firmly asserted its sovereignty over the Panama Canal, labeling it as "non-negotiable" in light of President-elect Donald Trump's recent comments suggesting potential military intervention to gain control of the waterway. During a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump made a false claim that the canal was operated by Chinese soldiers and criticized the 1977 treaty that facilitated the canal's handover to Panama, calling it a "big mistake."

In response, Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha stated, “The only hands operating the canal are Panamanian, and that is how it is going to stay.” This sovereignty assertion comes just after Panama celebrated the 25th anniversary of the canal's transfer from U.S. control on December 31, 1999. Minister Martínez-Acha emphasized that no formal offers had been made from Trump regarding the canal, stating, “Trump's opinions today, that he has talked about a certain amount of money, are not true.”

Additionally, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino, during the anniversary celebration, reinforced the nation's commitment to the canal, assuring attendees that it would remain under Panamanian control indefinitely. Mulino has previously expressed frustration over Trump's claims involving supposed Chinese military presence at the canal, remarking, “There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal, for the love of God.”

As Trump's administration approaches, Panama is keen to establish cooperative relations while upholding its historical rights to the canal.