Panama asserts ownership of the Canal amid Trump's threats

In a recent string of statements, President-elect Donald Trump expressed intentions to regain ownership of the Panama Canal, asserting the current fees imposed by Panama on U.S. vessels are excessively high. Trump's comments arise amid concerns regarding increasing Chinese influence in Panama's economic landscape, especially in critical infrastructure projects. In response to Trump's provocative remarks, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected the idea that the U.S. could reclaim control over the canal, reaffirming Panama's sovereignty and ownership since the end of U.S. administration in 1999. This situation escalated as protests erupted in Panama, where citizens expressed their discontent and labeled Trump as a public enemy, demonstrating national pride and resistance to perceived imperialistic threats. Additionally, Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned of his allegiance to Panama, highlighting solidarity in defending against any U.S. incursions. This episode reveals underlying tensions originating from Panama's historical struggles against U.S. hegemony and serves as a reminder of the region's complex geopolitical dynamics. Such remarks from Trump could risk pushing Panama closer to China, which complicates ongoing U.S. efforts to maintain influence in Latin America during a time of increasing competition with Beijing.