Trump Pushes for Action on Panama Canal, Citing Chinese Influence

President Trump and GOP lawmakers claim rising tolls and Chinese presence threaten U.S. interests, while Panama asserts its sovereignty over the canal.

President Trump has criticized Panama for allegedly unfair tolls on U.S. ships and accused China of controlling the canal, though no evidence supports the claim of Chinese operational control.
A nonbinding resolution introduced by Republican senators urges Panama to cut ties with Chinese entities and calls for increased U.S. investment in canal infrastructure.
Panama firmly denies foreign influence over the canal, with its president asserting the country's sovereignty and neutrality as guaranteed by longstanding treaties.
Chinese involvement is limited to port operations at both ends of the canal through a Hong Kong-based company, which operates under Panamanian government oversight.
Trump's rhetoric aligns with broader U.S. concerns over China's expanding economic influence in Latin America, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative.