President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his plans to “take back” the important waterway.
Panama will resist US President Donald Trump’s attempts to regain control of the Panama Canal, President José Mulino said on Monday, shortly after Trump was sworn in.
“I must wholeheartedly reject the statements President Donald Trump made in his inaugural address regarding Panama and its canal.” Mulino said in a statement.
“The administration of the canal will remain under Panamanian management, respecting its permanent neutrality,” the president said, adding that “no nation in the world” He was interfering in the management of the channel.
Mulino argued that the United States handed over management of the canal to Panama in 1999. “as a result of a generational struggle.” He pledged to continue facilitating international trade through the important waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. “We will exercise the right to protect ourselves” said.
Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States should restore control of the canal to prevent Chinese influence in the region. He has also claimed that Panama overcharges US ships that navigate the waterway. During his inauguration speech, Trump said that the United States will be “Recover (the channel).”
Trump has pledged to pursue a strong foreign policy based on the principle of “America First.” He suggested that the United States should annex Greenland and Canada, prompting criticism from officials in both countries.
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