Panama Canal leader issues warning to Trump, denies China in control

The CEO of the Panama Canal has firmly denied the recent allegations made by President-elect Trump, stating that the waterway is under the control of China. Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, the leader of the Panama Canal Authority, told The Wall Street Journal that the accusations are completely unfounded and that China has no involvement in the operations of the canal.

Vásquez Morales emphasized that the rules governing the operation of the Panama Canal are clear and there are no exceptions. Discriminating against any country, whether it be China, the U.S., or any other nation, would violate international law and the neutrality treaty that governs the canal. Such actions would only lead to chaos and instability.

The Panama Canal has a long and complex history, dating back to the construction of the waterway by the U.S. over a century ago. In the 1970s, then-President Jimmy Carter negotiated the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which eventually led to the transfer of control of the canal to Panama in 1999. The treaties also allowed the U.S. to use military force to defend the neutrality of the waterway against any threats.

President-elect Trump’s recent comments about the Panama Canal have caused controversy, with him suggesting that China is currently operating the canal and that the U.S. should reclaim control. Trump’s remarks have been met with criticism from Panamanian officials, who have reiterated that the canal is under Panamanian control and that there is no Chinese involvement in its operations.

The concerns raised by Trump about Chinese investments in shipping ports around the world are not unfounded, as the Chinese government has been increasing its presence in strategic locations such as Panama. However, the Panamanian government has repeatedly denied any Chinese military presence in the canal and emphasized that it remains under their sovereign control.

Despite Trump’s assertions, the Panamanian government and the CEO of the Panama Canal Authority have made it clear that the waterway is not under Chinese control and that any attempts to undermine its neutrality would be met with strong opposition. The Panama Canal plays a crucial role in global commerce, with approximately 5% of world trade passing through its waters, making it a vital strategic asset for both Panama and the international community.