Is China’s army in control of Panama? Truth of Donald Trump’s claim comes out, big tension for America

Last Updated:January 12, 2025, 13:05 IST America’s newly elected President Donald Trump is creating controversy regarding the Panama Canal. It is one of the most important sea routes in the world. Trump had claimed that Chinese soldiers have control over this canal. The canal administration has denied this…read moreHighlightsDonald Trump claimed that the Panama Canal is controlled by Chinese soldiers. The administration of the Panama Canal has denied this claim of Trump. There are no Chinese soldiers on the canal but still it is a matter of concern for America. Washington: America’s newly elected President Donald Trump has been talking about control over the Panama Canal. Trump had alleged that Chinese soldiers control this canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Apart from this, it was claimed that higher fares are charged from American ships. He warned that if the prices were not reduced after he became President, he would demand that America be given control of the canal soon and without any questions. Now the administrator of the Panama Canal has told the truth regarding Trump’s claims. According to the report of news agency AP, on Friday, Panama Canal Administrator Ricorte Vasquez refuted Trump’s claims in an interview, and said that China is not controlling this canal. He said Chinese companies operating in ports at both ends of the canal were part of the Hong Kong consortium that won the bidding process in 1997. He said American and Taiwanese companies control other ports along the canal. Trump has even said that he will not shy away from using military force to take control of the canal. Panama Canal. (Credit-AP) Who has control over the Panama Canal? The Panana Canal built in Panama is 82 km long. It connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean. Earlier France had tried to make it, but it was not successful. America finally made it between 1904 and 1914. The American government then controlled it for several decades. Panama used to be a part of Colombia at that time. According to the New York Times (NYT) report, when Colombia rejected the proposed canal treaty, the US government supported the rebels. The northern provinces of Colombia separated and formed the Republic of Panama. The US Navy then prevented Colombian troops from suppressing the rebellion. Despite creating a new country, anti-American riots broke out in Panama in 1964 due to America’s control over the Panama Canal. America was forced to make a new agreement regarding the canal. US President Jimmy Carter signs the Carter-Tories Pact with Panamanian leader Omar Efrain Tories in 1977. This agreement guaranteed the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal. America had to give up its control over the canal by the year 2000. Panama took control of the canal in 1999 and since then it has been operated by the Panama Canal Authority. Strict warning to America: Panama Canal Administrator Ricorte Vasquez said that due to the neutrality treaty, American flagged ships cannot be given special treatment. Last month, on Trump’s statement, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino had said, ‘Every square meter of the Panama Canal and the area around it belongs to Panama.’ He also said that American ships are not being charged much. Ship in the Panama Canal. (AP) Is Panama in the hands of China? Contrary to Trump’s claim, Chinese troops do not control the Panama Canal. President Mulino said on Thursday, ‘There are no Chinese soldiers in the Panama Canal. Every country in the world is free to use the canal. However, Hong Kong-based company CK Hutchison Holdings manages two ports at the entrances to the canal. Experts say that this increases security concerns for America. According to the NYT, Ryan C. Berg, Americas Program Director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank, said that CK Hutchison may have data on every ship passing through the Panama Canal. China can collect foreign intelligence and espionage through its shipping and maritime activities. China has said that as always it will respect Panama’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal. China is Panama’s second largest user after the US.

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