President-elect Donald Trump on December 22 reaffirmed US control of the Panama Canal, accusing it of charging too high fees.
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| US President-elect Donald Trump. (Source: Reuters) |
Speaking to supporters in Arizona, Mr Trump vowed not to let the canal fall into the "wrong hands" and warned about China's influence in the vital waterway.
Mr. Trump then posted on the social network Truth Social a picture of the American flag flying over a narrow body of water, with the comment: "Welcome to the American Canal."
These statements by the President-elect also signal a change in US foreign policy under Mr. Trump, who is known for his tough approach and controversial statements with international partners.
However, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on December 22 affirmed that the country's independence is non-negotiable, while rejecting allegations of Chinese influence on the management of the canal.
Mr. Mulino also wants to keep the fee that Panama is applying, saying that this fee is not set "arbitrarily".
"Every square meter of the Panama Canal and the surrounding area belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama," Mr. Mulino declared in a post on the social network X.
Mr Trump later responded to Mr Mulino's statement: "We'll see!"
The United States built and administered the territory surrounding the Panama Canal for decades. However, in 1977, the United States and Panama signed an agreement that paved the way for the canal to be returned to Panama’s full control. Washington officially handed over control in 1999.
The waterway carries about 14,000 ships each year, accounting for 2.5% of global seaborne trade, and is vital for imports of automobiles and commercial goods from Asia to the United States, as well as exports of commodities such as liquefied natural gas from the United States.
It is not yet clear how Mr Trump will seek to regain control of the canal.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tong-thong-dac-cu-donald-trump-tuyen-bo-gianh-lai-quyen-kiem-soat-kenh-dao-panama-298410.html
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