Panama has insisted that its sovereignty over the Panama Canal is “non-negotiable” after US President-elect Donald Trump refused to rule out using military force to seize it.
Trump made the statement during a press conference on Tuesday in which he falsely stated that the Panama Canal was manned by Chinese soldiers.
Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha responded by saying that “the only hands running the canal are Panamanian hands, and that is how it will remain.”
The United States had operated the Panama Canal for decades, but under a treaty signed by the late US President Jimmy Carter in 1977, it was handed over to the Panamanians on December 31, 1999.
At his Mar-a-Lago press conference on Tuesday, Trump called President Carter's decision to restore the canal a “big mistake.”
Him too It has expressed renewed interest in purchasing the Arctic island of Greenland – an autonomous region of Denmark – as well as the Panama Canal.
When pressed by reporters on whether he ruled out using military or economic force to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal, he said: “No, I can't assure you on either of those issues.”
Panama's Foreign Minister denied that his country had received any offer from the president-elect.
Martinez Asha said: “Trump’s opinions today, that he talked about a certain amount of money, are not correct. No offer of any kind was received, so let it be clear.”
He added, “The sovereignty of our canal is non-negotiable and is part of our irreversible history of struggle and conquest.”
There has not yet been a direct reaction from the President of Panama, Jose Raul Molino, to Trump's recent statements.
But at a colorful ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the canal's handover to Panama on December 31, he told attendees: “Rest assured, it will remain under our control forever.”
In the past, President Molyneux seemed angry at Trump's claims that the canal was subject to some kind of Chinese influence, saying, “There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal, for the love of God.”
His government also stressed that “until January 20, Joe Biden will head the American government. From January 20, we will deal with Mr. Trump and his government.”
He added, “Panama is keen to cooperate and maintain excellent relations with various governments.”
