Russia Calls on Trump to Acknowledge Panama’s Control over Canal

Crowd holding signs supporting Trump at rally.

Russia calls on Trump to honor Panama’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal amidst escalating tensions.

Key Takeaways

President Trump criticized Panama’s control of the Panama Canal, citing Chinese influence.
Panama President José Raúl Mulino reaffirmed the nation’s control over the canal.
Russia emphasized respecting the canal’s international legal regime and neutrality.
The canal plays a vital role in global trade, underscoring its geopolitical importance.
The 1977 treaties between the U.S. and Panama ensure the canal’s neutrality.

Trump’s Remarks Spark Controversy

President Donald Trump, during his second inaugural speech, expressed intentions to re-evaluate U.S. control over the Panama Canal, citing concerns over Chinese influence. He labeled the 1977 treaty that transferred control to Panama as a mistake. Trump further suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino robustly dismissed these claims, affirming, “The Canal is and will continue to be Panama’s and its administration will continue to be under Panamanian control with respect to its permanent neutrality.”

Trump’s rhetoric referenced “Manifest Destiny” and praised past presidents for territorial expansion, like Theodore Roosevelt. He voiced dissatisfaction with how American ships, including the Navy, are charged for canal transit. This stance further intensifies the international discourse around the canal’s control and operations. Mulino’s response underscores Panama’s sovereignty and rejection of foreign interference, particularly accusations involving China.

Russia’s Stand on Panama Canal Sovereignty

Russia has urged President Trump to respect Panama’s jurisdiction over the Panama Canal. Alexander Shchetinin from Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “We expect that during the expected discussions… the parties will respect the current international legal regime of this key waterway.” This reflects Russia’s commitment to maintaining the canal’s neutrality and advocating for safe and open transit. The call highlights the geopolitical nuances of this strategic waterway.

“Russia has been a party to the protocol since 1988 and confirms its obligations to observe the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal, advocating for keeping this international transit waterway safe and open.” – Alexander Shchetinin

The Panama Canal, a 51-mile waterway, is vital for sea trade, enabling ships to avoid a lengthy route around South America. The canal represents 2.5% of global trade and 40% of U.S. container traffic, further underscoring its economic significance. Its administration remains a point of contention, with the international community closely monitoring any discussions related to its control and operation.

Historical Context and Future Implications

The transfer of the Panama Canal to Panama occurred on December 31, 1999, ending U.S. control as per the 1977 treaties signed by President Jimmy Carter. These treaties guaranteed the canal’s neutrality while allowing U.S. involvement in its maintenance but not ownership. Trump’s call for re-evaluation invokes American historical narratives of territorial control and expansion, though such moves carry complex international implications.

“The purpose of our deal and the spirit of our treaty has been totally violated. American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape, or form. And that includes the United States Navy.” – Donald Trump

Moving forward, any diplomatic engagements between the U.S., Panama, and other global powers will be critical in determining the canal’s governance. Current treaties underscore the collaboration needed to maintain the sovereignty and functional neutrality of this key waterway, pivotal not only for Panama and the U.S. but for international maritime commerce.