Trump Says US Won't Let China Take Control Of Panama Canal

Washington: US President Donald Trump has once again made a major statement regarding the Panama Canal and China. He said that the US made a grave mistake by handing over control of the Panama Canal, and that China is now attempting to increase its influence over this strategic waterway. 

What did Donald Trump say?

Donald Trump, while speaking at the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, clearly stated that the US will never allow this to happen. During this, he also expressed his views on birthright citizenship and the powers of the President.

The US President said that after the Washington handed over control of the Panama Canal to Panama, the tariffs on ships passing through it were increased several times. According to him, this provided Panama with significant economic benefits. Trump claimed that China is now trying to increase its influence on this vital sea route. He said that the US will not ignore this issue, which is related to its strategic interests, at any cost.

"The Panama Canal, so we gave it away. The first thing they did, you know what they did? They raised the prices for the ships by four times, and they didn't lose one ship. And then they raised it again twice, and they didn't lose one ship. All they did was make tremendous amounts of money for years and years. How stupid was that?" Trump said.

"And now China's trying to take over the Panama Canal, and we're not going to let that happen, okay?" he added.

Why was China targeted regarding the Panama Canal?

Trump said the Panama Canal is one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. He claimed that China is trying to increase its influence on this strategic waterway. The US President said that America will not allow China to establish control or influence over the Panama Canal.

He called the earlier decision to hand over control of the Panama Canal to Panama wrong.
According to Trump, after gaining control, Panama increased the transit fees charged to ships several times. He said that this harmed US interests and gave economic benefits to Panama.
Trump reiterated that his administration's priority is to protect America's strategic and economic interests.

What is the Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal is an artificial waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. This allows ships to avoid the long detour around South America, saving thousands of kilometers.

A significant portion of world trade passes through this route. This reduces time, fuel, and transportation costs. Therefore, it is considered one of the most important sea routes in the world.

Chinese companies operate two major ports on either side of the Panama Canal, a move the US fears could increase China's influence over the crucial sea route.

There is a slight difference in the water levels of the two oceans. Therefore, the Panama Canal has locks, or large sluice gates. These locks lift and lower ships by filling or removing water. This system helps ships cross from one ocean to another.

Who had control of it earlier?

The Panama Canal was completed in the year 1914. Initially it was controlled by America. In 1979, the United States and Panama began operating it together. In 1999, its complete control was handed over to Panama.

What did Trump say about birthright citizenship?

In his address, Trump also criticized the Supreme Court's decision on the issue of birthright citizenship. He stated that he believed the court's decision on this issue was incorrect. Trump claimed that the birthright citizenship provision was originally created after the Civil War for the children of slaves. He stated that further legal and political efforts will continue on this issue in the future.