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.
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.
U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that the U.S. will soon sign a minerals and natural resources deal with Ukraine. He also expressed optimism about potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, following recent discussions with both leaders.
China’s military announced on Tuesday that it has begun joint army, navy, and rocket force exercises around Taiwan, aimed at deterring what it described as Taiwanese independence efforts.
The Democratic Party filed a lawsuit on Monday seeking to block President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at overhauling the U.S. election system, arguing the changes could disenfranchise eligible voters.
Panama’s government announced on Monday it has extended by three days the safe passage allowance for former President Ricardo Martinelli to travel to Nicaragua, where he has been granted asylum.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised recent steps toward normalizing relations between Russia and the United States, describing the development as a positive move for global stability
Greenland's incoming Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen pledged on Monday to strengthen ties with Denmark while pursuing the Arctic island's ultimate goal of independence.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilots, monitoring a Chinese navy warship as it navigated Australian waters, were alerted to a live-fire exercise via a civilian radio broadcast, defense officials revealed on Tuesday.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing 2056 people and leaving 3,900 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
As the world shifts toward clean energy at an ever-accelerating pace, large economies are scrambling to secure reliable supply chains for rare earth minerals. These minerals, once seen as mere industrial components, have become a political tool in the global power struggle
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
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 Kremlin announced on Monday that it is working with the United States on potential peace efforts for Ukraine, despite President Donald Trump's recent outburst expressing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
China’s military announced on Tuesday that it has begun joint army, navy, and rocket force exercises around Taiwan, aimed at deterring what it described as Taiwanese independence efforts.
The Democratic Party filed a lawsuit on Monday seeking to block President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at overhauling the U.S. election system, arguing the changes could disenfranchise eligible voters.
Panama’s government announced on Monday it has extended by three days the safe passage allowance for former President Ricardo Martinelli to travel to Nicaragua, where he has been granted asylum.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised recent steps toward normalizing relations between Russia and the United States, describing the development as a positive move for global stability
China’s military announced on Tuesday that it has begun joint army, navy, and rocket force exercises around Taiwan, aimed at deterring what it described as Taiwanese independence efforts.
The Democratic Party filed a lawsuit on Monday seeking to block President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at overhauling the U.S. election system, arguing the changes could disenfranchise eligible voters.
Panama’s government announced on Monday it has extended by three days the safe passage allowance for former President Ricardo Martinelli to travel to Nicaragua, where he has been granted asylum.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised recent steps toward normalizing relations between Russia and the United States, describing the development as a positive move for global stability
Greenland's incoming Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen pledged on Monday to strengthen ties with Denmark while pursuing the Arctic island's ultimate goal of independence.
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