Politics Panama's government rejects Trump's canal plans
Panama's government has rejected claims by US President-elect Donald Trump to the Panama Canal.
08.01.2025, 10:17
SDA
"The sovereignty of our canal is not negotiable," said Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha at a press conference. The canal's task is to serve humanity and global trade. "The only hands that control the canal are Panamanian and will remain so."
At a previous press conference, Trump had not ruled out using the military to gain control of the canal. He had previously described the transit fees as "highly unfair". He called for control of the waterway to be returned to the USA if it was not treated fairly.
The Panama Canal - one of the most important trade routes in the world - was built by the USA in the early 20th century and controlled for a long time before administration was gradually handed over to Panama. The fees charged by the Central American country are considered market rates as they are based on the size and tonnage of the ships passing through.
