Washington: US President Donald Trump once again threatened Panama, and this time the effect is clearly visible. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino’s government announced that the country would separate itself from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The decision came after an important meeting between Mulino and US Secretary of State Mark Rubio, in which the US gave a clear warning to Panama—either reduce China’s influence over the canal or face possible US retaliation.
Effect of Trump’s threats?
Donald Trump has long been talking about US control over the Panama Canal. He called it “America’s stupidity” and said that if the canal is not returned, “something very powerful” will happen. At the same time, Mulino clarified that the US did not give any direct threat to take the canal by force, but definitely indicated that their agreement with China could end soon.
Confrontation over Panama Canal increased!
Trump alleges that Panama has violated the 1977 treaty by handing over the operation of the waterway to China. Under this treaty, the US handed over the Panama Canal to Panama, but the condition was that the area would remain neutral. The US is now calling this situation unacceptable and has even warned of taking military action to protect its interests.
Increasing suspicion on China!
Panama had made a major change in its diplomatic policies by joining China’s BRI project, which has angered the US. Panama gave up recognition of Taiwan and supported China, after which the US is looking at this entire incident with suspicion.
Will the US take over the canal?
Trump and his team are very aggressive about this issue. According to the US State Department, if Panama does not end China’s influence on the waterway, the US can also take military action to establish control over it by citing the 1977 treaty.
Public holiday 5 February: Schools-colleges and government-private offices will remain closed