Decades-Old Waterway Sparks Modern Geopolitical Debate
A century after its completion, the Panama Canal remains a linchpin of global trade—and a lightning rod for international disputes. Recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump reignited controversy after he suggested China operates the strategic waterway, claims Beijing quickly denied. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning clarified: \"China does not take part in managing or operating the canal.\"
From Construction to Controversy
Built by the U.S. in 1914 and transferred to Panama in 1999, the 50-mile canal handles 6% of global maritime trade. Over 14,000 ships traversed it in 2023 alone, carrying $270 billion worth of goods. Trump's statements come amid growing scrutiny of shipping bottlenecks impacting global supply chains.
Why It Matters Now
Climate-driven droughts have reduced daily transits from 36 to 24 ships, creating 160-vessel queues. The crisis spotlines how geopolitical rhetoric meets real-world logistics. Analysts warn such claims could complicate efforts to address the canal's $2 billion expansion needs.
As part of our three-part series, we examine how this engineering marvel shapes tomorrow's trade wars. Stephen Gibbs reports on balancing economic priorities with 21st-century diplomacy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
