President-elect Donald J. Trump made headlines on Tuesday by not ruling out the possibility of using military force to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, a strategic waterway that was handed back to Panama many years ago.
Recently, Mr. Trump made unfounded claims that Panama was allowing Chinese troops to oversee operations at the canal, leading to increased costs for American ships passing through.
He also criticized Panama for allegedly charging excessive fees to U.S. vessels and threatened to demand full control of the
The reasons behind Mr. Trump’s sudden interest in the Panama Canal remain unclear, but some members of his party have historically opposed the transfer of ownership that occurred decades ago. Former President Ronald Reagan famously declared that Americans were the
Who has authority over the Panama Canal?
Following unsuccessful French attempts, it was ultimately constructed by the United States between 1904 and 1914 and managed by them for several years thereafter.
The U.S. played a significant role in establishing an independent state of Panama after encouraging a rebellion against Colombia’s control over the isthmus where construction took place.
Tensions arose between America and Panama due to U.S. oversight of the canal, culminating
Subsequent negotiations led to treaties signed by President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Efraín Torrijos in 1977, ensuring neutrality and eventual transfer of control back to Panama by 2000.
