Donald Trump swore in as the 47th President of the United State of America on Monday, January 20, 2025 and swiftly took actions by issuing multiple executive orders and directives, addressing major issues such as energy, immigration, and criminal pardons, as he establishes the priorities of his new administration.
One of the important executive orders, focused on the Panama Canal, has drawn global attention and caused widespread discussions.
President Trump had extended an invitation to China’s President Xi Jinping to attend his inaugural session. However, President Xi sent China’s Vice President, Han Zheng, as his representative. This decision by China is being viewed as a diplomatic snub by President Trump’s inner team.
In response, President Trump made a bold statement during his address. He emphasized his intention to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, pointing out the notable presence of Chinese investments and influence in the region. Trump remarked that China’s involvement in Panama could lead to future tensions between the United States and China.
Let us trace the timeline of major events related to the Panama Canal.
In 1881, France announced its plan to build the Panama Canal, and the first groundbreaking work was carried out by the French. By 1882, active construction on the canal had begun. However, France eventually failed to complete the project. It is believed that thousands of workers lost their lives due to malaria, harsh weather, and the dense forest environment.
This failure opened the door for the United States to intervene. On February 23, 1904, the U.S. acquired the canal project from France. Shortly after, on May 4, 1904, the U.S. began construction work on the canal.
A historic moment followed on November 6, 1906, when President Theodore Roosevelt visited Panama. This marked the first official visit outside the United States by a sitting president.
Progress continued, and on May 10, 1913, the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans were connected. Finally, on August 15, 1914, the SS Ancon completed the first transit, officially opening the Panama Canal to traffic.
In the 1990s, important improvements were made, including the addition of lighting and the widening and deepening of the canal channel. However, one of the most iconic dates in the canal’s history is September 15, 1977, when a treaty was signed to transfer control of the canal to Panama. This transfer was completed on December 31, 1999, when the United States handed over full control of the canal to Panama.
Expansion work on the canal officially began in September 2007, and the expansion was completed in June 2016.
Now, the question arises, if the United States handed over control of the Canal to Panama decades ago, why is President Trump now expressing a desire to reclaim it?
The Panama Canal has long been regarded as an essential link between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Before the canal was built, American ships traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast had to cover nearly 8,000 kilometers, taking about a month to complete the journey. This route requires navigating around South America, passing Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Mexico before reaching their destination.
Even today, if the Panama Canal were to shut down for any reason, it would create significant challenges for the United States. This scenario poses a probable threat to U.S. interests and is a matter of serious concern.
Panama, being a small and poor nation, has fragile democratic roots, which President Trump fears makes it vulnerable to foreign influence. China, in particular, has established a strong presence in Panama through extensive investments, including the construction of infrastructure, hostels, and other projects. Additionally, China has been granting loans to Panama, further increasing its influence.
This is a serious concern for the United States because China might use its influence in Panama to control the canal.
If China were to gain complete control over Panama, the consequences for the United States and global trade could be severe. This scenario points out the strategic importance of the Panama Canal and the United States’ need for preemptive measures to safeguard it for its own interests.
What's Hot
Why Trump Views the Panama Canal as a Chinese Threat
President Trump made a bold statement during his address. He emphasized his intention to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, pointing out the notable presence of Chinese investments and influence in the region.
Related Posts
Add A Comment