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U.S. President-elect Donald Trump alleged on Wednesday that 'wonderful Chinese soldiers' are operating the Panama Canal, sparking questions about U.S. investments in the vital waterway.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Christmas Day, Trump alleged that the Chinese presence is aimed at ensuring that the U.S. invests billions of dollars in repairs without reaping any benefits. "The United States puts in billions of dollars in ‘repair’ money and gets nothing in return," he said.
Trump also addressed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, calling him "Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada" and suggesting that Canada could achieve significant tax cuts and "would be militarily protected like no other country anywhere in the world" if it joined the U.S. as its 51st state.
Tourists watch a cargo ship transit through the Panama Canal in Panama City on December 23, 2024. - US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to demand control of the Panama Canal be returned to Washington, complaining of "unfair" treatment of American ships and hinting at China's growing influence. (Photo by ARNULFO FRANCO / AFP)
Tourists watch a cargo ship transit through the Panama Canal in Panama City on December 23, 2024. - US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to demand control of the Panama Canal be returned to Washington, complaining of "unfair" treatment of American ships and hinting at China's growing influence. (Photo by ARNULFO FRANCO / AFP)
A man walks at the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal in Panama City on Dec. 23, 2024. (AFP Photo)" alt="Trump alleges 'Chinese soldiers' operating Panama Canal">
Tourists watch a cargo ship transit through the Panama Canal in Panama City on December 23, 2024. - US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to demand control of the Panama Canal be returned to Washington, complaining of "unfair" treatment of American ships and hinting at China's growing influence. (Photo by ARNULFO FRANCO / AFP)Tourists watch a cargo ship transit through the Panama Canal in Panama City on December 23, 2024. - US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to demand control of the Panama Canal be returned to Washington, complaining of "unfair" treatment of American ships and hinting at China's growing influence. (Photo by ARNULFO FRANCO / AFP)A man walks at the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal in Panama City on Dec. 23, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Turning to domestic politics, he criticized "radical left lunatics" for allegedly obstructing the U.S. court system and targeting political opponents, including himself. "Their only chance of political survival is to get pardons from (incumbent President) Joe Biden," he added.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reignited a debate over the Panama Canal on Dec. 22, criticizing the tolls charged to American ships passing through the waterway. Trump called the fees “ridiculous” and suggested reclaiming control of the canal territory.
Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulinodismissedthe threats in response, asserting that “The canal belongs to Panama.”
The Panama Canal, completed by the United States in 1914, was transferred to Panamanian control under a 1977 agreement signed by then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Panama officially regained full control of the vital trade passage on Dec. 31, 1999.
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