The elected President of the United States, Donald Trump, threatened that he might regain control over the Panama Canal, which Washington "foolishly" handed over to Panama a quarter of a century ago.
Speaking at his first post-election rally in Arizona, Trump stated that "absurd" fees are charged for U.S. ships passing through the canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
"Our fleet and businesses are being treated very unfairly," Trump told his supporters.
"The fees charged by Panama are absurd and extremely unfair, especially considering the extraordinary generosity shown to Panama by the United States. This must come to an end. The United States has a strong interest in the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal," said the elected President of the United States.
The U.S. transferred control of the waterway to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed in 1977 during President Jimmy Carter's administration.
The canal is vital for Panama's economy, contributing approximately one-fifth of the country's annual revenue.
The operation of the canal's locks depends on reservoirs. In 2023, it suffered significantly from drought in Central America, forcing it to drastically reduce the number of daily slots available for ships.
As the canal is being used by fewer ships each day, the fees charged to all shippers for reserving space have increased.
Transit through the canal later normalized, but a new price hike is expected next year.
Trump claimed that when he becomes president, "this robbery will stop immediately." Otherwise, he stated, the Panama Canal would be "returned to the U.S. completely and without question," although he did not explain how this could be achieved.
Panama's President José Raúl Mulino categorically rejected the suggestion that Washington would regain control over the canal.
"Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its surrounding areas belongs to Panama and will belong to it henceforth. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not up for discussion," he declared on Sunday night.
Speaking in Arizona, Trump once again promised to ensure robust economic growth, close the U.S. borders, and swiftly resolve conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
"I can proudly say that a golden age for America is coming," Trump stated.