U.S. President Donald Trump has raised concerns over China’s alleged influence over the Panama Canal, stating on Sunday that “something very powerful is going to happen soon.”
He claimed that the vital waterway, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, was not given to China and accused Panama of violating its agreement with the United States.
The Panama Canal, hailed by Trump as a modern “wonder of the world,” was constructed by the U.S. and opened in 1914. It remained under American control until 1999, when it was handed over to Panama under a treaty signed by then-President Jimmy Carter.
Now back in office, Trump has threatened to reclaim control of the canal, arguing that Beijing has taken over its operations. “China’s running the Panama Canal… it was not given to China… But they violated the agreement, and we’re going to take it back or something very powerful is going to happen,” he told reporters.
Although Trump stated he does not foresee deploying troops, his remarks suggest possible diplomatic or economic measures against Panama. The situation is expected to escalate as geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China continue to rise.
