Trump reignites Panama Canal debate, claims treaty violations
President Donald Trump addressed the joint chambers of Congress. In his speech, he returned to the controversial announcement of the U.S. taking control over the Panama Canal. "My administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we've already started doing it," he declared.
Trump clarified that a U.S. company announced its intention to purchase two ports near the Canal. It is likely referring to BlackRock, which previously stated it had agreed to acquire majority shares in ports along the Panama Canal from Hutchison, a Hong Kong-based company.
The American president reminded his audience that Americans constructed the passage. He said it was the most expensive project built in the country's history, if adjusted to current costs.
According to Trump, Panama is violating the 1977 treaty signed by Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos, which handed management of the passage to Panama. Furthermore, he claimed that China influences the Canal's operations.
"We didn't give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we're taking it back," declared Trump.
Conflict over control of the Panama Canal
Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino stated in early February that the sovereignty of the canal is non-negotiable.
Donald Trump also previously stated that the U.S. should regain control of the Canal, accusing Panama of violating the treaty by imposing higher tariffs on ships from the U.S. Panama claims that tariffs depend on the size of the vessel, not the country of origin.
