Russia Wants to Meddle with America Getting Back Panama Canal, BAD MOVE!
Russia has no Skin in this game and Trump Doesn't Play...
Russia cautioned President Trump against seizing control of the Panama Canal after he reiterated his intent during his second inaugural address, emphasizing the importance of respecting the canal's neutrality and existing international agreements. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump's vow, affirming that the canal remains under Panamanian administration and is free from external interference, including alleged Chinese influence.
Russia's Response
Russia warned President Trump against seizing control of the Panama Canal, urging respect for its neutrality and existing international agreements.
Alexander Shchetinin, director of the Latin American Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to the canal’s neutrality.
Shchetinin emphasized that the U.S. must honor the treaty provisions safeguarding the canal while refraining from interfering in Panama’s internal affairs.
Trump’s Stance
During his second inaugural address, Trump reiterated his intent to take control of the Panama Canal.
He claimed that American ships are being overcharged and not treated fairly, including the U.S. Navy.
Trump criticized China’s involvement in the canal, stating that “China is operating the Panama Canal.”
Panama’s Response
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump’s vow to retake the canal.
Mulino affirmed that the Panama Canal is under Panamanian control and will remain neutral as per international agreements.
He denied claims of foreign interference, including allegations of outsized Chinese influence over the canal’s administration.
Historical Context
The United States built the Panama Canal in the early 1900s and controlled it for decades.
Control of the canal was transferred to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a 1977 treaty signed by U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
The treaty included provisions requiring both countries to protect the canal’s neutrality and barring the U.S. from interfering in Panama’s internal affairs.
China’s Role
Hutchison Ports PPC, a Hong Kong-based company, operates ports at both ends of the canal.
While Hutchison Ports is not owned by the Chinese government, it is subject to China’s national security law imposed on Hong Kong in 2020.
Mulino dismissed concerns about China’s influence, asserting no foreign nation interferes with the canal’s administration.
GO DEEPER
Russia warned President Trump against seizing the Panama Canal, urging respect for its neutrality and international agreements.
Trump reiterated his intent to take control of the canal during his second inaugural address.
Alexander Shchetinin from the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized Russia’s commitment to the canal’s neutrality and international legal regime.
Trump claimed American ships are being overcharged and criticized China’s involvement in the canal.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump’s vow, affirming Panama’s control over the canal and denying foreign interference.
The U.S. built the canal in the early 1900s and handed control to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed in 1977.
Shchetinin highlighted treaty provisions that safeguard the canal’s neutrality while prohibiting U.S. interference in Panama’s internal affairs.
Hutchison Ports PPC, a Hong Kong-based company, operates ports at both ends of the canal but is not owned by the Chinese government.