Panama Stands Firm on Canal Sovereignty in Response to President-elect Trump

During a press conference, Trump was questioned about the possibility of using “military or economic coercion” to achieve his goals regarding the canal and other areas of interest. Jan 7, 2025 Photo: EFE

January 7, 2025 Hour: 9:24 pm

In his statement to the press, he reaffirmed the words of Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, emphasizing that the relationship between Panama and the United States will be managed through appropriate diplomatic channels once Trump takes office on January 20.

Amid diplomatic tensions, the Panamanian Foreign Minister, Javier Martínez-Acha, defended Panama’s sovereignty over the Interoceanic Canal on Tuesday, calling it an “irreversible conquest.”

This statement comes in response to recent remarks by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who did not rule out the use of military force to regain control of this vital waterway.

Martínez-Acha stressed that the sovereignty of the canal is “non-negotiable” and is a fundamental part of the country’s history of struggle for autonomy.

"Quiero ser claro. Las opiniones del señor Trump hoy, de que ha conversado sobre una cantidad de dinero, no son ciertas no se ha recibido ningún tipo de oferta en este gobierno y que quede claro, el Canal es de los panameños y seguirá siendo así", @javierachapma. pic.twitter.com/PLRcBONhxT
— Telemetro Reporta (@TReporta) January 7, 2025

During a press conference, Trump was questioned about the possibility of using “military or economic coercion” to achieve his goals regarding the canal and other areas of interest.

His response was evasive, leaving open the option of resorting to such measures, which generated concern within the Panamanian government.

The president-elect also accused Panama of imposing excessive tariffs on U.S. ships and suggested that China has significant control over the canal.

However, these claims were strongly rejected by Panamanian authorities. Martínez-Acha reiterated that “the only hands controlling the canal are Panamanian and will continue to be so,” denying any suggestion of Chinese influence in its management.

The foreign minister’s statement reflects Panama’s firm stance in defense of its sovereignty, particularly in a context where bilateral relations could be affected by statements and policies from the new U.S. government.

The situation highlights the strategic importance of the Panama Canal and the sensitivity surrounding its control and operation.