Former President Donald Trump’s claim of Chinese soldiers operating the Panama Canal sparks international controversy and denials from Panamanian officials.
At a Glance
- Trump claimed Chinese soldiers operate the Panama Canal
- Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino strongly denied these claims
- Trump threatened to retake control of the canal, citing high shipping rates
- China is the second-largest user of the Panama Canal with significant investments
- Concerns persist about China’s growing influence in global shipping
Trump’s Controversial Claims
Former President Donald Trump ignited a diplomatic firestorm with his recent assertions about Chinese control of the Panama Canal. In a statement that caught both American and Panamanian officials off guard, Trump declared, “Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal.” This provocative claim was swiftly refuted by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who emphatically stated that there is no Chinese military presence at the canal.
The former president’s comments have reignited debates about the strategic importance of the Panama Canal and the extent of Chinese influence in the region. Trump’s assertions have brought attention to broader concerns about China’s growing role in global shipping and infrastructure projects.
The US views China’s growing presence in the Western Hemisphere as a threat to its regional interests. In contrast to US concerns, China's cooperation with Panama and other Latin American countries is driven by mutual interests and local needs, fostering regional development and… pic.twitter.com/lCtSC5WZku
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) December 27, 2024
Panama’s Response and Canal Operations
In response to Trump’s claims, President Mulino forcefully defended Panama’s sovereignty over the canal. “The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians. There’s no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality,” Mulino declared. He further emphasized that the canal is operated by an agency of the Panamanian government, not by any foreign entity.
“There is absolutely no Chinese interference or participation in anything that has to do with the Panama Canal,” Mulino said.
The Trump-Vance transition team countered, “Chinese control of the Panama Canal absolutely poses a national security threat to the U.S.”
The Panama Canal, a crucial maritime passage that sees up to 14,000 ships annually, was under U.S. control until 1999. Since then, it has been managed by Panama, with the country establishing diplomatic ties with China in 2017 after breaking relations with Taiwan. While China is the second-largest user of the canal and has significant investments in Panama, including the management of two ports by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings, there is no evidence of direct Chinese control over canal operations.
Economic and Strategic Concerns
Despite the technical inaccuracy of Trump’s statements, they have highlighted ongoing concerns about China’s expanding influence in global shipping and port operations. As the world’s largest exporter, China’s investments in port construction worldwide have raised strategic questions about its ability to monitor and potentially influence international maritime activities.
Trump’s threat to retake control of the canal, citing “exorbitant” shipping rates, has also brought attention to the economic challenges facing the waterway. A historic drought has led to increased transit costs, impacting global trade flows. These economic pressures, combined with geopolitical concerns, underscore the complex dynamics surrounding the Panama Canal’s operation and its significance to international commerce and security.
