The United States has struck a deal with Panama to eliminate transit fees for U.S. government vessels passing through the Panama Canal, marking a significant cost saving and a strategic move amidst growing concerns about China's influence in the region.
The U.S. State Department announced a new agreement with Panama that will eliminate transit fees for U.S. government vessels passing through the Panama Canal . The deal, announced on Wednesday via X (formerly Twitter), signifies a significant cost saving for the U.S. government, estimated to be in the millions of dollars annually. This agreement comes amidst growing concerns about China's influence in the region.
Panama President José Raúl Mulino pledged on Sunday to terminate a crucial development deal with China following a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio, in a post on X, emphasized the U.S. stance against allowing the Chinese Communist Party to exert control over the Panama Canal area. This sentiment reflects a broader narrative of President Donald Trump's past criticisms of the hefty fees imposed on U.S. vessels transiting the canal. Trump has even suggested the possibility of the U.S. repurchase of the canal.A recently introduced bill, the 'Panama Canal Repurchase Act,' would grant both Trump and Rubio the authority to negotiate with Panama regarding the canal's repurchase. The strategic importance of the Panama Canal to the U.S. is undeniable. Over 70 percent of vessels traversing the canal are headed to or from U.S. ports, and it serves as a vital passage for U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Defense vessels. Bypassing the canal would necessitate ships taking an 8,000-mile detour around South America, highlighting the canal's critical role in global trade and U.S. national security.
PANAMA CANAL USA CHINA NATIONAL SECURITY INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Panama marks Martyrs' Day as Trump threatens to retake control of Panama CanalA Panamanian national holiday remembering the killing of 21 protesters by police and U.S. troops in 1964 is taking on new resonance this year as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatens to take back control of the Panama Canal.
Read more »
Panama Marks Martyrs' Day Amid Trump's Panama Canal RhetoricPanama commemorates Martyrs' Day, remembering the killing of 21 protesters by U.S. troops in 1964, as President-elect Donald Trump's comments about the Panama Canal raise concerns.
Read more »
Panama President Rejects Trump's Claim to Panama CanalPanama's President José Raúl Mulino vehemently rejected President Donald Trump's assertion that the U.S. would 'take back' the Panama Canal during his inaugural address. Mulino reaffirmed Panama's sovereignty over the canal, stating it would remain under Panamanian control as stipulated by the Torrijos-Carter Treaty of 1977.
Read more »
Panama Rebuts Trump's Threats Over Panama CanalPanama formally rejected Donald Trump's statements regarding the recovery of the Panama Canal, reminding him of the UN Charter's prohibition against threats or use of force against any state's territorial integrity or independence.
Read more »
Panama Rejects Trump's Panama Canal Claims in UN LetterFollowing President Trump's inauguration speech, Panama has formally rejected his threats to reclaim the Panama Canal, citing concerns about its sovereignty and the U.N. Charter. The Panamanian president affirmed the canal's ownership by Panama and warned against any use of force or threats against the country's territorial integrity.
Read more »
Trump Claims China is Interfering with Panama Canal, Panama and China DenyFormer President Trump claimed China was interfering with the Panama Canal during his inauguration, prompting strong rebukes from both Panama and China. Panama asserted its full control over the canal, while China denied any involvement in its management or operation. Experts emphasize the canal's neutrality as crucial to its success.
Read more »