The Panamanian government has formally expressed concern to the United Nations about President Trump's threat to retake the Panama Canal, noting that threats of force violate rules.
In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Panama pointed to language in the U.N. Charter that instructs member states to “refrain from any threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or independence of other States.” .
letterIt also echoes the declaration of Panamanian President José Raul Mulino.
“The canal will always belong to Panama and its management will remain under Panama's control in terms of permanent neutrality,” he said on his inauguration day.
The letter was in response to President Trump's assertion in his inaugural address that, “First and foremost, China runs the Panama Canal, and we did not give it to them.” We gave it to Panama. And we will take it back. ”
Trump's comments about the canal are part of his latest territorial obsession, as he is also pushing to acquire Greenland from Denmark.
During his speech, he made several false claims about the canal, including that 38,000 Americans died in its construction. A previous fact check found that the numbers were:approaching 300.
China has invested heavily in Panama, including many construction deals, and controls two of Panama's five major ports. However, it plays no role in the management of the canal.
The Chinese government has repeatedly rejected Trump's claims.
“We agree with Panamanian President Jose Raúl Mulino.” @joseraulmilinoPanama's sovereignty and independence are non-negotiable; #PanamaCanalIt is not under the direct or indirect control of any power,” China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.I wrote to X.
“China has no involvement in the management or operation of the canal. China has never interfered. We respect Panama's sovereignty over the canal and recognize it as a permanently neutral international waterway.”
Laura Kelly also contributed.
