Trump's Panama Canal Remarks Stir Tensions with China and Panama

President-elect Donald Trump’s call to reclaim the Panama Canal raises questions about U.S. foreign policy, sovereignty, and China's growing influence in the region.

Donald Trump has suggested the U.S. should reclaim the Panama Canal, citing concerns over fees and China's influence in the region.
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected Trump’s comments, emphasizing the canal’s sovereignty and Panama’s control since 1977.
China, a major user of the canal, responded diplomatically but noted its support for Panama’s sovereignty, while U.S. officials express concerns about Beijing's regional ambitions.
Trump’s rhetoric aligns with his broader foreign policy approach, emphasizing nationalism and challenging international norms, while resonating with his political base.
Experts suggest Trump’s remarks may escalate U.S.-China tensions and highlight a shift away from multilateral diplomacy toward competitive geopolitics.