Why is Russia Worried About Trump’s Position on Panama Canal?

Russia voices its concerns as Trump suggests revisiting the Panama Canal agreements, challenging Panama’s sovereign rights.

Key Takeaways

Trump expressed a desire to acquire control over the Panama Canal, echoing past doctrines like Manifest Destiny.
Russia and Panama have reacted strongly against Trump’s intentions, emphasizing treaty obligations and Panama’s sovereignty.
The Panama Canal remains a strategic waterway crucial for global trade and subject to international treaties maintaining its neutrality.

Trump’s Ambition and the Panama Canal

In his second inaugural address, President Donald Trump expressed intentions to reacquire control of the Panama Canal, sparking geopolitical tensions. Trump’s claims include renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, likening his ambitions to historical expansionist ideologies such as Manifest Destiny.

The U.S. had transferred control of the Panama Canal to Panama on December 31, 1999, following treaties that ensured its neutrality and restricted American ownership. Trump, however, criticized this transition, describing it as a “foolish gift” and accused China of dominating the trade channel.

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected Trump’s assertions, affirming his nation’s control over the canal. Mulino underscored that the canal remains under Panamanian administration, honoring the treaty’s conditions. Russia also issued a warning to Trump, emphasizing the need to adhere to the current legal framework governing the canal.

The Strategic Importance of the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal, a 51-mile artificial waterway, facilitates the passage of ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, saving vessels a 7,000-mile journey around South America. The canal is crucial to global trade, accounting for 2.5% of worldwide sea trade and 40% of U.S. container traffic.

“The Canal is and will continue to be Panama’s and its administration will continue to be under Panamanian control with respect to its permanent neutrality.” – José Raúl Mulino

While the transfer of the canal to Panama was completed under the auspices of treaties signed by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Trump’s rhetoric suggests dissatisfaction with current rates charged to American vessels transiting the canal. He argued that these fees contravene the foundational spirit and terms of the agreements.

International Reactions and Future Implications

Russia’s reaction to Trump’s comments called for adherence to the existing legal status of the Panama Canal. Alexander Shchetinin from the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed the significance of respecting the canal’s internationally recognized regime. The canal’s uninterrupted operation as a safe and neutral international waterway is imperative for global maritime trade.

“Russia has been a party to the protocol since 1988 and confirms its obligations to observe the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal, advocating for keeping this international transit waterway safe and open.” – Alexander Shchetinin

Trump’s expansionist discourse, which includes the notion of acquiring Greenland and making Canada a U.S. state, raises questions about the U.S. foreign policy trajectory. While renaming the Gulf of Mexico could be a unilateral U.S. decision, gaining international acceptance would be challenging. As the situation evolves, observance of treaty obligations and international law will be crucial in maintaining global stability in trade and politics.