Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Da Silva: What is happening in Gaza is not a war, it is a genocide
Da Silva: Even the Jewish people do not want this war; it is revenge by a government against the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state
Brazilian President Lula da Silva: What we are seeing is not a war between two armies. [What we have is a] completely professional army that is killing women and children in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas: We affirm our readiness to immediately begin a round of indirect negotiations to reach an agreement on the points of contention
Hamas: We welcome the continued Qatari and Egyptian efforts to end the war waged by the Zionist occupation against our people
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Israeli occupation forces blew up Noura Al-Kaabi Hospital, designated for kidney dialysis patients, in the northern Gaza Strip
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Israeli drone targets a car on the Ayta al-Shaab-Debel road in southern Lebanon
Yemeni Armed Forces Spokesperson Yahya Saree: The remaining airlines that have not yet complied with the ban are urged to take this into serious consideration to ensure the safety of their aircraft and passengers
Yemeni Armed Forces Spokesperson Yahya Saree: The YAF, after successfully imposing a partial ban on air traffic at Lydd Airport, are now working to impose a full ban on air traffic at the aforementioned airport in the coming period
Yemeni Armed Forces Spokesperson Yahya Saree: YAF's UAV Unit carried out three military operations targeting three vital Israeli sites in the occupied Palestinian areas of Yafa, Isdud, and Umm al-Rashrash, using three drones

Trump's remarks on Panama Canal spark global controversy: WSJ

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Wall Street Journal
  • 25 Dec 2024 20:47
  • 1 Shares
3 Min Read

Trump's comments have raised questions about what actions he might take, with critics questioning whether he is contemplating drastic measures such as a military intervention.

Listen
  • x
  • FILE - A cargo ship traverses the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon, Panama, Sept. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, File)
    FILE - A cargo ship traverses the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon, Panama, September 2, 2024. (AP)

The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that President-elect Donald Trump has stirred debate with his recent comments about the Panama Canal, suggesting that Panama had been unfairly charging excessive tolls and demanding the canal's return to US control. Speaking to supporters in Phoenix over the weekend, Trump criticized Panama's handling of the canal and implied potential repercussions if his demands were not met.

"Our Navy and commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, highly unfair, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama—I say, very foolishly, by the United States," Trump stated. He added, "We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America in full, quickly and without question. I'm not going to stand for it. So to the officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly."

Panama's President José Raúl Mulino quickly responded, rejecting Trump's assertions and vowing to defend Panama's interests. Trump, in turn, responded on Truth Social with a brief retort: "We'll see about that."

Trump's comments have raised questions about the actions he might take, with critics questioning whether he is contemplating drastic measures such as military intervention.

Related News

Hamas says ready to 'immediately' begin indirect talks for Gaza truce

UK to dramatically increase weapons production amid shortages

Read more: Panamanians united in rejecting Trump’s threat over Canal control

Despite the accusations, the Panama Canal Authority (PCA), which oversees the canal's operations, maintains a fair toll system based on vessel size, weight, and type. Fees apply equally to all ships regardless of their country of origin. According to experts, the PCA has successfully operated the canal since its transfer from the US in 1999, functioning as an independent business entity separate from government control.

Canal challenges

Jorge Quijano, a former administrator of the PCA, explained that the authority faces significant challenges, such as the effects of a prolonged drought in 2023 that impacted operations and resulted in an estimated $1 billion loss in revenue. Quijano also noted that building additional reservoirs to mitigate water shortages could cost over $2 billion, underscoring the need for the canal's current market-based pricing strategy.

The PCA has also implemented measures to address operational challenges, including an online auction system for priority access to the canal during high demand. This system allows those willing to pay higher fees to transit faster while providing alternatives for others, such as routes through the Suez Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope.

Analysts suggest Trump's comments may stem from broader concerns over geopolitical dynamics in Latin America, particularly China's influence. Chinese-linked firms operate two of the canal's five cargo ports, a factor that has raised eyebrows in Washington. However, experts caution that Trump's rhetoric risks escalating tensions unnecessarily.

Read more: Panama president reaffirms sovereignty over canal after Trump threats

  • United States
  • Panama
  • Panama canal
  • Trump administration
  • Donald Trump

Most Read

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrive to a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington (AP)

Rift widens: Trump, Netanyahu clash in heated phone call over Iran

  • Politics
  • 26 May 2025
US judges quietly consider private security amid Trump tensions

US judges quietly consider private security amid Trump pressures

  • US & Canada
  • 25 May 2025
An Israeli army vehicle moves in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern occupied Palestine, Thursday, May 29, 2025 (AP)

Hamas rejects Witkoff ceasefire plan, says alters terms

  • Politics
  • 29 May 2025
Spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, announces a new operation against Ben Gurion Airport on May 29, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen announces successful hypersonic missile strike on Ben Gurion

  • Politics
  • 30 May 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
MIT bans class president who gave pro-Palestine speech
US & Canada

MIT bans class president over pro-Palestine speech

Arab ministers condemn Israel 'ban' on planned West Bank visit
Politics

Arab ministers condemn Israeli ban on planned West Bank visit

Major General Hu Gangfeng, Vice President, National Defense University, People's Liberation Army, China, leaves after a panel discussion during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Politics

China blasts Hegseth, calls US top 'troublemaker' in Asia-Pacific

US activists demand shutdown of Musk's 'dirty' supercomputer: Reports
Technology

US activists demand shutdown of Musk's 'dirty' supercomputer: NBC News

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS