Trump calls for ‘military options’ to manage Panama Canal, reports say
The Pentagon has reportedly been directed to create “credible” plans for ensuring US access to the crucial Panama Canal amid concerns of Chinese influence. According to sources cited by Reuters, CNN, and NBC, President Donald Trump has tasked...
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The Pentagon has reportedly been directed to create “credible” plans for ensuring US access to the crucial Panama Canal amid concerns of Chinese influence.
According to sources cited by Reuters, CNN, and NBC, President Donald Trump has tasked the Pentagon with developing strategies to “secure” the canal, following several threats to “reclaim” and “take back” the waterway.
The Panama Canal, a crucial maritime link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has been under the control of Panama since 1999 as per the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which specified that the canal would remain neutral and accessible to all nations. Trump has frequently threatened to regain control of the canal, citing “ridiculous fees” and the rising presence of China in the area.
Earlier this year, Trump did not dismiss the possibility of using military force to take control of the canal, insisting that all options remain available to safeguard US economic and national security interests.
In a memo titled Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance, obtained by CNN on Thursday, the White House formally requested that the Pentagon “immediately” provide options to ensure unrestricted US access to the canal. One directive in the memo reportedly instructed to “provide credible military options to ensure fair and unfettered US military and commercial access to the Panama Canal.”
According to unnamed officials speaking to NBC, US Southern Command is already formulating potential plans that range from strengthening ties with Panamanian security forces to a scenario where US troops would seize the canal by force. Sources cited by Reuters also revealed that the Pentagon has been tasked with exploring military options to secure US access to the waterway.
Panamanian officials have previously dismissed Trump’s claims and threats. The Panama Canal Authority insists that the canal is solely operated by Panamanian authorities, with no evidence to support allegations of Chinese control.
President Jose Raul Mulino emphasized that the canal is an “inalienable patrimony” of Panama and affirmed that the country retains full control over its operations. However, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio personally conveyed Trump’s ultimatum to Panama in February, Mulino took a step back by not renewing the country's 2017 agreements with China under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
According to sources cited by Reuters, CNN, and NBC, President Donald Trump has tasked the Pentagon with developing strategies to “secure” the canal, following several threats to “reclaim” and “take back” the waterway.
The Panama Canal, a crucial maritime link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has been under the control of Panama since 1999 as per the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which specified that the canal would remain neutral and accessible to all nations. Trump has frequently threatened to regain control of the canal, citing “ridiculous fees” and the rising presence of China in the area.
Earlier this year, Trump did not dismiss the possibility of using military force to take control of the canal, insisting that all options remain available to safeguard US economic and national security interests.
In a memo titled Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance, obtained by CNN on Thursday, the White House formally requested that the Pentagon “immediately” provide options to ensure unrestricted US access to the canal. One directive in the memo reportedly instructed to “provide credible military options to ensure fair and unfettered US military and commercial access to the Panama Canal.”
According to unnamed officials speaking to NBC, US Southern Command is already formulating potential plans that range from strengthening ties with Panamanian security forces to a scenario where US troops would seize the canal by force. Sources cited by Reuters also revealed that the Pentagon has been tasked with exploring military options to secure US access to the waterway.
Panamanian officials have previously dismissed Trump’s claims and threats. The Panama Canal Authority insists that the canal is solely operated by Panamanian authorities, with no evidence to support allegations of Chinese control.
President Jose Raul Mulino emphasized that the canal is an “inalienable patrimony” of Panama and affirmed that the country retains full control over its operations. However, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio personally conveyed Trump’s ultimatum to Panama in February, Mulino took a step back by not renewing the country's 2017 agreements with China under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
