Trump threatens to take back control of Panama Canal
The Hindu
Donald Trump criticizes Panama Canal fees, threatens to take control, citing concerns over China's influence, US interests.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday (December 21, 2024) slammed what he called unfair fees for U.S. ships passing through the Panama Canal and threatened to demand control of the waterway be returned to Washington.
He also hinted at China's growing influence around the canal, a worrying trend for American interests as US businesses depend on the channel to move goods between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Also Read | China widens trade highway in South America with new mega port project
"Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous," he said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
"This complete 'rip-off' of our Country will immediately stop." he added.
The Panama Canal, which was completed by the United States in 1914, was returned to the Central American country under a 1977 deal signed by Democratic president Jimmy Carter.
Panama took full control in 1999.
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