In a sharp diplomatic clash, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to push for the return of the Panama Canal to American control, accusing Panama of overcharging the U.S. for its use.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to push for the return of the Panama Canal to American control, accusing Panama of charging exorbitant fees for its use. Speaking to supporters in Arizona, Trump expressed frustration over Panama’s management of the critical waterway, stating, "You've got to treat us fairly, and they haven't treated us fairly. If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America in full, quickly, and without question. Not going to stand for it. So to the officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly."
Trump also emphasized the strategic importance of the canal saying, "The United States is the number one user of the Panama Canal with over 72% of all transits heading to or from U.S. ports. Think of that. So we built it; we're the ones that use it. They gave it away. Considered one of the world's, really one of the great wonders of the world, the Panama Canal opened for business 110 years ago and was built at a huge cost to the United States."
In response, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected Trump’s remarks, reaffirming Panama’s sovereignty over the canal by stating, "Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belong to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable."
Mulino also defended the canal’s fees, which Trump had criticized as excessive, explaining, "Rates are not a whim. They are established publicly in an open hearing – considering market conditions, international competition, operating costs, and the needs of maintenance and modernization of the interoceanic waterway."
Trump’s comments have sparked a rare public diplomatic clash between the U.S. and Panama, with potential implications for their relationship moving forward. The Panama Canal remains a crucial link for global trade and U.S. military operations, making its future management a highly sensitive issue.
President Donald Trump said a deal with TikTok's Chinese parent ByteDance to sell the short video app used by 170 million Americans would be struck before a deadline on Saturday.
Russia and the US have initiated talks on joint rare earth metals projects, with some companies already showing interest, according to Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev. This cooperation comes amid U.S. President Trump's efforts to end the Ukraine war and follows Putin's proposal for joint exploration.
Trump threatens to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil if Moscow obstructs efforts to end the war in Ukraine, expressing frustration over Putin's comments on Zelenskiy’s leadership.
Japan vows to take decisive action as the U.S. imposes a 25% tariff on automobile imports. With autos making up 28.3% of Japan’s exports to the U.S., the move could hit its economy hard. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba says Tokyo is considering "all options" in response.
U.S. President Trump has stripped several former officials, including Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, of their access to classified information.
Alex Ovechkin has become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing Wayne Gretzky with his 895th career goal during Sunday’s game against the New York Islanders. The historic power play goal came in his 1,487th game, matching Gretzky’s career total.
In a joint effort to address the worsening crisis in Gaza, the leaders of France, Egypt, and Jordan convened a trilateral summit, calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and renewed commitment to a political solution.
Iran has rejected direct talks with the U.S. over its nuclear program but expressed readiness for indirect negotiations via Oman, while warning regional neighbors against supporting any potential U.S. military action.
Contacts between Russia and the United States may continue next week, as Moscow signals cautious optimism following recent high-level discussions in Washington.
Italian wine producers are bracing for major losses in the U.S. market after President Donald Trump imposed a 20% tariff on European imports, threatening the future of iconic labels like Prosecco and Brunello and sparking fears of a sharp decline in American consumption.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Alex Ovechkin has become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing Wayne Gretzky with his 895th career goal during Sunday’s game against the New York Islanders. The historic power play goal came in his 1,487th game, matching Gretzky’s career total.
In a joint effort to address the worsening crisis in Gaza, the leaders of France, Egypt, and Jordan convened a trilateral summit, calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and renewed commitment to a political solution.
Iran has rejected direct talks with the U.S. over its nuclear program but expressed readiness for indirect negotiations via Oman, while warning regional neighbors against supporting any potential U.S. military action.
Contacts between Russia and the United States may continue next week, as Moscow signals cautious optimism following recent high-level discussions in Washington.
Italian wine producers are bracing for major losses in the U.S. market after President Donald Trump imposed a 20% tariff on European imports, threatening the future of iconic labels like Prosecco and Brunello and sparking fears of a sharp decline in American consumption.
Alex Ovechkin has become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing Wayne Gretzky with his 895th career goal during Sunday’s game against the New York Islanders. The historic power play goal came in his 1,487th game, matching Gretzky’s career total.
In a joint effort to address the worsening crisis in Gaza, the leaders of France, Egypt, and Jordan convened a trilateral summit, calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and renewed commitment to a political solution.
Iran has rejected direct talks with the U.S. over its nuclear program but expressed readiness for indirect negotiations via Oman, while warning regional neighbors against supporting any potential U.S. military action.
Contacts between Russia and the United States may continue next week, as Moscow signals cautious optimism following recent high-level discussions in Washington.
Italian wine producers are bracing for major losses in the U.S. market after President Donald Trump imposed a 20% tariff on European imports, threatening the future of iconic labels like Prosecco and Brunello and sparking fears of a sharp decline in American consumption.
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