President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly joked about Canada beating out both Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia to become the 51st state. But it's clear he's looking to acquire territory beyond the 49th parallel.
Over the weekend, President Trump struck a more serious tone, threatening to seize the Panama Canal and expressing renewed interest in acquiring Greenland.
President Trump's comments, especially about Panama – he followed up on that. image An American flag was hoisted over the canal, causing a stir. While some supporters at home celebrated the apparent revival of the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, foreign officials currently occupying the proposed conquest territories condemned President Trump's proposal.
“America’s canals!”
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proposed In a lengthy post on Saturday's Truth Social, he said the Panama Canal, which is dominated by communist China's increasing influence, has high tolls and limited shipping capacity, but “plays a vital role for America. Therefore, it is considered an extremely important national asset for the United States.” economy and national security. ”
“Our Navy and Department of Commerce have been treated very unfairly and unjustly.”
“A secure Panama Canal is critical to U.S. commerce and the rapid deployment of our Navy from the Atlantic to the Pacific, dramatically reducing shopping times to U.S. ports,” Trump wrote. “The United States is the largest user of the canal;
More than 70% of all transportation To or from a U.S. port. Considered one of the wonders of the modern world, the Panama Canal opened 110 years ago. Built at great expense in the United States Life and property: 38,000 American men died from mosquitoes infected in the construction jungle. ”
December 17 Congressional Research Service Report
noticed U.S. military leaders say they are concerned about the presence of Chinese military-linked companies along the canal and the security threat they pose.
waves of cargo
noticed China controls ports on both ends of the canal Hutchinson Port PPCa Hong Kong-based company with close ties to the Beijing regime. In addition to China's control of the ports of Balboa and Cristobal, China's economic involvement in the region, especially since Panama joined China's imperial Belt and Road Initiative, puts it in a position to potentially manipulate canal operations. .
A severe regional drought is affecting Lake Gatun, which provides much of the water needed to operate the canal locks.
led to restrictions Daily vessel sailings were carried out from the end of last year until 2024. In the months that followed, waterway neutrality became particularly important. controversial issues.
In 1904, the United States secured the right to build and operate the canal and control five miles of land on either side of the canal in exchange for annual payments. Democratic President Jimmy Carter
agreed In 1977, it decided to relinquish American control of the canal by 2000.
In his remarks, President Trump emphasized that Carter's agreement stipulates that the waterway must be “perpetually neutral.”
“Similarly, Panama cannot be allowed to charge exorbitant prices and tolls to the United States, its navy, or companies doing business within the country,” Trump continued. “Our Navy and Department of Commerce have been treated very unfairly and unjustly. The fees Panama charges are ridiculous, especially given the extraordinary generosity the United States has given Panama.”
“Let's see about that.”
After President Trump reused the text of the treaty,
underlined The United States said, “We cannot and will not allow it to fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but simply as a sign of our cooperation with Panama. There is,” he said.
President Trump added: “If the moral and legal principles of this generous donation are not upheld, we will demand the full return of the Panama Canal, no questions asked.” “Panamanian authorities, please provide appropriate guidance!”
President Trump doubled down on his comments at Sunday's Tipping Point Action Conference, saying:
states“The United States has a significant vested interest in the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal.”
Panamanian officials expressed reservations about President Trump's proposal.
Manuel Alberto Samaniego Rodríguez, Congressman;
said“The Panama Canal is within Panamanian territory and is not the property of any country other than Panama. @realDonaldTrump's comments are deplorable. This young Panamanian independent senator will protect his country with his life if necessary.”
Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino responded to President Trump's remarks as follows:
suggest “Every square meter of the Panama Canal belongs to Panama and always will belong to Panama. Our sovereignty and independence are non-negotiable,” he said in the video.
Mulino added that the canal “will remain in the hands of the Panamanian people as an inalienable heritage of our country.”
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answered Mulino said, “We'll look into that.'' shared an image It features an American flag fluttering above the canal and the caption, “Welcome to the American Canal!”
red, white and blue greenland
During his first term, President Trump raised the possibility of purchasing Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. The 836,330 square mile island is home to the U.S. military's northernmost facility, Pitufik Space Station (formerly Thule Air Base). According to the U.S. Geological Survey
estimateThere could be 17.5 billion barrels of undiscovered oil and 148 trillion cubic feet of natural gas offshore from the island, which has a population of less than 60,000 people.
Greenland government officials
said “We're selling, not selling,” the Wall Street Journal said when President Trump's potential interest in a deal first arose.
President Trump again raised the possibility of a takeover on Sunday when he announced the appointment of former U.S. ambassador to Sweden Ken Howley as ambassador to Denmark.
states“For purposes of national security and freedom around the world, the United States feels that ownership and control of Greenland is absolutely necessary.”
President Trump added, “Ken will do a great job representing the interests of the United States.”
Moute Egede, the socialist Prime Minister of Greenland,
said “Greenland is ours. We are not and will not be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom,” he said in a statement seen by Reuters.
Contrary to Egede's proposal, Greenland belongs to Denmark. However, despite the country's right to declare independence, it has not done so because it is keen on continued funding from its homeland. Greenland has also been actively dependent.
considerable amount American aid over the years.
Trump is not the first president to raise the possibility of a red, white, and blue Greenland.
One year after U.S. Secretary of State William Seward
proposed US says annexation of island 'deserves serious consideration' It looks like it's getting closer Take Greenland and Iceland from Denmark for less than $6 million in gold.
The Associated Press, citing previously classified documents,
reported In 1991, the Truman administration proposed purchasing Greenland from Denmark in 1946 for $100 million in gold. At the time, the late Sen. Owen Brewster (R-Maine) called the move a “military necessity,” suggesting that U.S. military officials were in favor of the deal.
In his Turning Point Action Address, President Trump said, “We can proudly proclaim that America's Golden Age has arrived.''
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