The CEO of the Panama Canal, Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, has refuted claims made by President-elect Donald Trump that China is controlling the historic waterway. Vásquez Morales emphasized that China has no involvement in the operations of the Panama Canal, stating that the accusations are unfounded.
He further highlighted the importance of upholding the neutrality treaty and international law, emphasizing that discrimination based on nationality would lead to chaos and violate established agreements.
The Panama Canal, originally built by the United States over a century ago, was handed over to Panama in 1999 as part of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties negotiated by then-President Jimmy Carter. These treaties ensured the neutrality of the canal and allowed the U.S. to defend it against any threats.
President-elect Trump's recent comments suggesting potential military or economic coercion to gain control of the Panama Canal have been met with strong opposition from Panamanian officials. Both the current Panamanian President and the Panama Canal Authority have dismissed these claims as baseless.
Concerns over Chinese influence in strategic locations, including shipping ports and the Panama Canal, have been raised by the U.S. Department of Defense. General Laura J. Richardson highlighted the potential risks associated with Chinese investments in critical infrastructure, warning about the implications for global commerce and security.
While Chinese companies have been involved in projects related to the Panama Canal, the Panamanian government has reiterated that the canal remains under their control and is not operated by China. The denial of Chinese military presence in the canal and the assertion of Panamanian sovereignty over the waterway have been consistent responses to allegations of foreign influence.
As the Panama Canal continues to play a crucial role in global trade, the debate surrounding its ownership and management reflects broader geopolitical tensions and concerns about strategic assets in the region.
