During his inauguration speech, Donald Trump said he wanted to regain control of the Panama Canal, reigniting tensions with the Central American country. The Panamanian president firmly reaffirmed his country’s sovereignty over this strategic route. Towards a revival of American expansionist aims?
In a shock statement during his inauguration speech, the 47th President of the United States Donald Trump said he wanted to “take back” control of the Panama Canal, saying American ships there are “severely overtaxed” and “are not treated fairly.” Comments which reignited tensions with the Central American country, 25 years after the transfer of sovereignty over this strategic route.
Built by the United States in the early 20th century, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across the Isthmus of Panama. Long under American control, it was returned to Panama on December 31, 1999, in application of the Torrijos-Carter treaties signed in 1977. But this retrocession remains in the throat of certain Americans, Donald Trump in the lead.
Trump denounces a “insane gift”
“The purpose of our agreement and the spirit of our treaty have been totally violated. We have been very mistreated by this senseless gift which should never have been given,” declared the ebullient president during his inaugural speech. According to him, Panama operates the canal to the detriment of American interests and “above all, China operates the Panama Canal, and we didn’t give it to China, we gave it to Panama.” An allusion to Beijing’s growing presence in Latin America.
And conclude, menacingly: “And we are going to take it back.” Comments which echo those made a few weeks before taking office, when he described the Torrijos-Carter treaty as “very unfair”. Without specifying how he intended to proceed to regain control of the work, the tenant of the White House seemed ready to use all means, including force if necessary.
A “violation” of Panamanian sovereignty
An unacceptable prospect for the Panamanian president, who immediately reacted by reaffirming his country’s sovereignty over the canal. “The canal belongs and will continue to belong to Panama. This sovereignty is non-negotiable,” he insisted during a solemn speech. And to warn Washington: “We will exercise the law that protects us, the legal basis of the treaty, the dignity that distinguishes us and the strength that international law gives us.”
According to the Panamanian administration, the canal “will remain under Panamanian control while respecting its permanent neutrality” and without “the presence of any nation in the world to interfere.” A position supported by the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), for whom any unilateral challenge to the treaties would constitute a “violation of the sovereignty” of Panama and “international law”.
Anachronistic expansionism?
These resounding declarations from Trump, which are added to his stated aims on Greenland or northern Canada, are resurrecting an expansionism that many believed to be over. Sign of a return of American “imperial policy” for some experts, who see it as an attempt to counter the growing influence of China.
This great return of the balance of power in international relations underlines a desire to contain China, even if it means twisting the arms of its allies.A European diplomat
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But for now, this ultra-offensive Trumpian posture seems especially to upset the traditional partners of the United States. Starting with Panama, which intends to defend its hard-won sovereignty over this strategic jewel. A new diplomatic front is opening for the White House, whose credibility on the international scene will once again be put to the test.
“The purpose of our agreement and the spirit of our treaty have been totally violated. We have been very mistreated by this senseless gift which should never have been given,” declared the ebullient president during his inaugural speech. According to him, Panama operates the canal to the detriment of American interests and “above all, China operates the Panama Canal, and we didn’t give it to China, we gave it to Panama.” An allusion to Beijing’s growing presence in Latin America.
And conclude, menacingly: “And we are going to take it back.” Comments which echo those made a few weeks before taking office, when he described the Torrijos-Carter treaty as “very unfair”. Without specifying how he intended to proceed to regain control of the work, the tenant of the White House seemed ready to use all means, including force if necessary.
A “violation” of Panamanian sovereignty
An unacceptable prospect for the Panamanian president, who immediately reacted by reaffirming his country’s sovereignty over the canal. “The canal belongs and will continue to belong to Panama. This sovereignty is non-negotiable,” he insisted during a solemn speech. And to warn Washington: “We will exercise the law that protects us, the legal basis of the treaty, the dignity that distinguishes us and the strength that international law gives us.”
According to the Panamanian administration, the canal “will remain under Panamanian control while respecting its permanent neutrality” and without “the presence of any nation in the world to interfere.” A position supported by the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), for whom any unilateral questioning of the treaties would constitute a “violation of the sovereignty” of Panama and “international law”.
Anachronistic expansionism?
These resounding declarations from Trump, which are added to his stated aims on Greenland or northern Canada, are resurrecting an expansionism that many believed to be over. Sign of a return of American “imperial policy” for some experts, who see it as an attempt to counter the growing influence of China.
This great return of the balance of power in international relations underlines a desire to contain China, even if it means twisting the arms of its allies.A European diplomat
But for now, this ultra-offensive Trumpian posture seems especially to upset the traditional partners of the United States. Starting with Panama, which intends to defend its hard-won sovereignty over this strategic jewel. A new diplomatic front is opening for the White House, whose credibility on the international scene will once again be put to the test.
