In a recent statement, Panama firmly countered US government claims regarding fee exemptions for government vessels transiting the crucial Panama Canal. The US State Department had announced that its vessels can now pass through the canal without incurring charges, ostensibly saving the government millions annually. However, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) refuted this, emphasizing its exclusive rights to set fees and confirming no changes had been made to the current tolls.
Panama Rejects US Claims of Free Canal Passage for Government Vessels
Panama Rejects US Claims of Free Canal Passage for Government Vessels
Panama dismisses assertions from the US about free transits through the Panama Canal for government vessels, reaffirming its authority over fee structures.
The situation escalated during Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Panama as he urged the nation to address what he termed excessive Chinese influence on the canal. Rubio's meeting with President José Raúl Mulino highlighted the US’s ongoing concerns over strategic access to this vital waterway, which sees a substantial amount of transits originating from or destined for US ports. The ACP, in response to Rubio’s concerns, pledged to work towards optimizing transit priorities for US naval vessels while maintaining their autonomy amid heightened US scrutiny.
Despite former President Trump's statements expressing dissatisfaction with Panama’s management of the canal, President Mulino stood firm against any notions of foreign control, asserting that the Panama Canal remains wholly under Panama's jurisdiction. He emphasized an unwillingness to succumb to external pressures, specifically rejecting the notion that any nation, including China, exerts influence over their operations.
The Panama Canal, a critical conduit for maritime traffic, effectively shortens trips between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Historical agreements have established its governance, with the US relinquishing control in the late 20th century, a decision Trump regards as a significant error. As dialogue between Panama and the US continues, the future of the canal and its regulatory framework remains a focal point of geopolitical interest.
Despite former President Trump's statements expressing dissatisfaction with Panama’s management of the canal, President Mulino stood firm against any notions of foreign control, asserting that the Panama Canal remains wholly under Panama's jurisdiction. He emphasized an unwillingness to succumb to external pressures, specifically rejecting the notion that any nation, including China, exerts influence over their operations.
The Panama Canal, a critical conduit for maritime traffic, effectively shortens trips between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Historical agreements have established its governance, with the US relinquishing control in the late 20th century, a decision Trump regards as a significant error. As dialogue between Panama and the US continues, the future of the canal and its regulatory framework remains a focal point of geopolitical interest.
