Trump’s Threat to Reclaim Panama Canal Stirs Diplomatic Tensions

Panama rebuffs U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of Chinese influence over the canal, as audits of Chinese-owned ports spark geopolitical concerns.

• President Donald Trump has declared his intent to 'take back' the Panama Canal, claiming Chinese influence and mismanagement, though these claims have been denied by Panamanian officials.
• Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has formally rejected Trump’s statements in a letter to the UN Security Council, asserting the canal's autonomy and Panamanian ownership since 1999.
• The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit Panama as part of a Central America tour, with potential discussions with canal leadership anticipated but unconfirmed.
• Panama has initiated audits of Chinese-owned ports near the canal, raising speculation about potential efforts to reduce Chinese influence, though officials insist the reviews are routine and apolitical.
• The Panama Canal Authority and local leaders emphasize the canal’s neutrality and transparency, while analysts suggest Panama may face economic or diplomatic pressures to appease the U.S.

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