In a striking reiteration of his controversial stance, former President Donald Trump has claimed that the Panama Canal should be returned to the United States, prompting significant pushback from both Panamanian officials and international observers. During his inaugural address, Trump insisted, "We gave it to Panama, and we're taking it back," alleging that the canal is being operated by China and that the Panamanian government has been overcharging U.S. ships, including Navy vessels. This statement has reignited historical fears in Panama associated with U.S. interventions in the region, a sentiment echoed by many citizens who see the canal as a symbol of national pride and sovereignty.

Panama's President José Raúl Mulino swiftly rebuked Trump's declarations, stating unequivocally that "the canal is and will remain Panama's" and emphasizing that no foreign nation interferes with its administration. His words were a clear indication that any attempt by the U.S. to reclaim control would be met with fierce resistance. "There is no presence of any nation in the world that interferes with our administration," Mulino asserted, pushing back against Trump's characterization of the canal's current management according to the LA Times.

The backdrop to Trump's claim involves a historic treaty that saw the U.S. hand over control of the canal in 1999. This transfer was the result of decades of negotiation that included several U.S. administrations, emphasizing a shift towards respecting Panama's sovereignty. Trump's statements have raised questions about the potential for a military intervention similar to the one conducted in 1989, which ousted Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. As observed by local Panamanians, Trump's rhetoric evokes memories of U.S. military interventions that many wish to leave in the past AP News noted.

Additionally, Trump's aspersions towards China operating within the canal have been strongly rejected by Panamanian officials. The canal's operational management indeed involves a Hong Kong-based company but does not imply any direct control by the Chinese government. Mulino stressed that every aspect of the Panama Canal belongs to Panama, reinforcing the country’s stance on maintaining its neutrality and operational independence per BBC reports.

Internationally, concerns about Trump's claims have been echoed by other nations. Russia has cautioned that any attempts to assert control over the canal must respect international laws and Panama's sovereignty. Alexander Shchetinin, a Russian foreign ministry official, emphasized that the canal is subject to a neutrality agreement that must be upheld by both the U.S. and Panama according to The Hill.

As Trump's assertions gain traction, the implications for U.S.-Panama relations and global trade are dire; approximately 6% of global trade moves through the canal, indicating that any unilateral military action could cause significant disruptions. In discussions emphasizing potential military options, analysts have highlighted the enormous challenges and possible backlash against a re-occupation of the canal, deeming it a "risky undertaking" that would likely encounter international legal challenges CNN noted.

The discussion around the Panama Canal continues, raising critical questions about sovereignty, international relations, and the legacy of U.S. involvement in Latin America.