Trump's Threat to Retake the Panama Canal Sparks Russia's Protest

The Russian foreign ministry has urged President Trump to uphold the existing international accord regarding the Panama Canal and maintain Panama's control over it.

Alexander Shchetinin, head of Russia's foreign ministry's Latin American department, stated to TASS news outlet that he anticipates Trump will adhere to the current international legal framework of the canal as outlined in the 1977 treaties between the U.S. and Panama.

By the year 2000, the agreement released American control over the canal and ensured its impartiality.

Since his election victory in November, Trump has criticized Panama for allowing China to control the maritime trade route and exploit U.S. ships.

In his inaugural address on Monday, President Trump intensified his complaints and announced that the U.S. would reclaim what it had lost.

Shchetinin stated that during the anticipated talks between Panama's leadership and President Trump regarding control over the Panama Canal, which undoubtedly falls within the scope of their bilateral relations, the parties will adhere to the current international legal framework governing this vital waterway.

A protocol agreement recognizing the canal's neutrality and ensuring its safety was signed by 40 countries, including Russia.

"Shchetinin emphasized the need for the U.S. and Panama to safeguard the canal from any threat to its neutrality regime. However, he also made it clear that the U.S. right to defend the canal does not mean they have the right to interfere in Panama's internal affairs. Any actions taken by the U.S. must not compromise Panama's territorial integrity or political independence."

Carter's agreement has been criticized by Trump, who previously called it a "big mistake."

At his inaugural address on Monday, Trump stated that the United States spent more money than any project in history and lost 38,000 lives while constructing the Panama Canal.

"Our deal and treaty have been violated, as we have been treated poorly due to a foolish gift that should never have been given. Panama has broken its promise to us."

"American ships are unfairly overcharged and not treated fairly, including by the United States Navy. Moreover, China is operating the Panama Canal, which we did not give to China but rather to Panama, and we are now taking it back."

Ricaurte Vásquez, the canal's administrator, stated this month that China does not control the canal and that all nations are treated equally under a neutrality treaty.

The maritime trade route, which spans 51 miles, employs a set of locks and reservoirs to traverse Panama and link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In the early 1900s, the United States constructed the canal as a means to streamline the transportation of commercial and military vessels between its coasts.

The canal at South America's southern tip allows ships to avoid sailing around Cape Horn, shortening their journey by approximately 7,000 miles.

Panama's President José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump's comments and declared, "The Canal remains and will always be under Panamanian control, with its administration maintaining permanent neutrality."

He refuted Trump's claim that the U.S. "gave" the canal to Panama, stating that no nation interferes with their administration.

"Our Canal's total sovereignty and ownership must be preserved, and dialogue is the best way to achieve this without compromising our rights," Mulino stated.

Planet Chronicle’ Caitlin McFall and The Associated Press contributed to this report.