Since returning to the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to \"take back\" the Panama Canal, falsely alleging that it is operated by China. This audacious move signals Trump's intent to revive the infamous Monroe Doctrine of 1823, aiming to restrict foreign influence and bolster America's commercial and security interests.
As the newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks on his first official trip to Central America, including Panama, the global community is watching closely. Concerns arise over Trump's possible coercive tactics and whether he can pressure the region into compliance, raising questions about the direction of Trump 2.0's foreign policy and its impact on the international order.
Trump's Outlandish Claims
The Panama Canal is a vital strategic waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, facilitating the passage of up to 14,000 ships annually and accounting for approximately five percent of global maritime trade.
Historically, the U.S. controlled the canal from the early 20th century until the end of 1999, when it was handed over to Panama under treaties negotiated by the Carter administration in the 1970s. Trump now aims to reverse these agreements, seeking to regain U.S. control by criticizing Panama for charging what he calls \"exorbitant\" fees to U.S. ships and falsely claiming that China is \"operating the canal.\" These assertions are baseless and undermine Panama's sovereignty.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has dismissed Trump's claims as \"nonsense,\" emphasizing that the canal was never a gift to Panama but a strategic asset managed by the Panamanian government since 1999. Additionally, China's role in the canal is limited to being one of its largest users and an investor in Panamanian infrastructure, without any involvement in its management or operations.
Potential Implications
Trump's rhetoric reflects his concerns over China's increasing investments in Panama, positioning the Panama Canal as a new battleground in the escalating "great power competition" between the U.S. and China. The threat to reclaim the canal raises alarms about potential violations of international law and the stability of regional governance.
Speculation surrounds the methods Trump might employ to achieve his objectives. Possibilities include citing the 1977 Neutrality Treaty with Panama, which allows the U.S. to defend the canal's neutrality, potentially using military force as a bluff to extract concessions. Alternatively, Trump might impose tariffs similar to those used against Colombia, aiming to pressure Panama into reducing its ties with China and restoring U.S. control over the canal.
Support from the Republican-controlled Congress further empowers Trump's stance. Recent legislative efforts include resolutions urging Panama to sever political and economic connections with China and bills proposing negotiations for acquiring the canal from Panama. These moves signal a solid backing for Trump's assertive foreign policy initiatives.
The international community remains vigilant, assessing the ramifications of Trump's strategies on global trade, regional sovereignty, and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
