Trump wants US ships to pass through Panama and Suez Canals without paying fees
Donald Trump, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump believes that American military and commercial ships should be allowed to pass through the Panama and Suez Canals free of charge, according to a post by the American leader on Truth Social.
Trump also mentioned that he had instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to urgently address the issue.
According to the statement from the American president, he asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately take care of this situation.
Furthermore, Trump expressed the opinion that these canals would not exist without the US.
The Panama Canal crosses the narrowest part of the isthmus between North and South America, allowing ships to move more quickly between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Approximately 40% of US container shipments pass through the Panama Canal each year.
The US completed the construction of this canal in the early 20th century, but in 1999, the US officially transferred control of this strategically important waterway to Panama.
Issue of control over the Panama Canal
US President Trump has repeatedly stated that he wants to take back control of the Panama Canal. Specifically, in conversations with media representatives, he did not rule out the possibility of using economic or military force to restore US control over the canal.
Furthermore, Trump spoke about violations of agreements and claimed that China allegedly controls the Panama Canal.
In response, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino emphasized that it is his country that controls the canal. He underscored that the canal is and will remain Panamanian.
In early February, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panama, where he issued an ultimatum regarding the Panama Canal during a meeting with President Mulino. Following Rubio's visit, the President of Panama agreed not to extend agreements with China.
On February 6, the US State Department announced that Panama had canceled transit fees for US government ships. However, on the same day, Panama refuted the US statement, denying free transit through the canal for American ships.
In March, US media reported that the US was preparing plans to strengthen its military presence in Panama.
By April 10, it was revealed that Panama and the US had signed agreements on security and regional cooperation, but the issue of control over the canal remained unresolved. Panama declared that the US had recognized its control over the canal, while the Pentagon stated that the US is helping to return the Panama Canal from the influence of communist China.
