U.S. Claims Panama Canal Fee Waiver for Government Ships, Panama Canal Authority Disputes

The U.S. State Department asserts a new agreement for free transit, but Panama's Canal Authority denies any changes to toll policies.

The U.S. State Department announced that Panama agreed to waive transit fees for U.S. government vessels, citing significant cost savings.
The Panama Canal Authority, an autonomous body, refuted the claim, stating no adjustments have been made to toll policies.
Tensions over the Panama Canal have escalated since Donald Trump's re-election, with renewed U.S. concerns over China's influence in the region.
President Trump has threatened to 'reclaim' the canal, citing dissatisfaction with the 1977 treaty that transferred control to Panama in 1999.
Upcoming discussions between U.S. and Panamanian officials are planned to address the canal's strategic importance and transit policies.