Tensions are rising in Panama following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about retaking control of the Panama Canal. As U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the country, protesters took to the streets, rejecting what they call a threat to Panama’s sovereignty.
Mass protests broke out in Panama City as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with President Raúl Mulino. Demonstrators burned posters of Trump and Rubio, calling for an end to U.S. interference.
Union leaders and activists accused President Donald Trump of pushing for a takeover of the Panama Canal, citing his recent statements that China’s presence in the region posed a national security threat to the United States.
Union leader and protester Saúl Méndez spoke out, saying, "He wants to annex Canada, invade Mexico, take the canal, and rip Greenland away from Denmark. Trump is looking for World War III."
In response, President Raúl Mulino emphasized Panama's sovereignty, stating, “There is no doubt that the canal is operated by our country and it will continue to be. I don't think there has been disagreement on that. President Trump has his opinion on the presence of China, which will be clarified in due course in the technical instances of the canal."
While in the U.S., President Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews that he did not believe U.S. troops would be necessary in Panama but reiterated his threats about the canal. "China is running the Panama Canal. That was not given to China, that was given to Panama—foolishly—but they violated the agreement, and we’re going to take it back, or something very powerful is going to happen," Trump said.
At a Senate hearing last week, U.S. officials suggested imposing fines and restrictions on Panamanian-flagged vessels entering U.S. ports as a pressure tactic to curb Panama’s relations with China.
Despite this, President Mulino reaffirmed Panama's control, stating firmly that Panama would not renegotiate its authority over the world’s second-busiest waterway: "Panama will maintain its sovereignty over the canal," he asserted, dismissing foreign influence claims.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and Panama reached agreements on migration policies, including expanding repatriation programs for migrants traveling through the Darién Gap. These programs are part of broader efforts to manage the flow of migrants from South America to the U.S.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the dispute over the Panama Canal remains unresolved, fueling concerns about worsening U.S.-Panama relations. Both nations continue to engage in talks, but tensions remain high, especially as Panama seeks to maintain its independence from external pressures regarding the canal.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has announced a major reform initiative aimed at strengthening national sovereignty in the country’s space sector.
An historic mission began early on Wednesday (25 June) as astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) for their countries’ first-ever visit. They were joined by NASA veteran Peggy Whitson.
Iran’s parliamentary committee has approved a draft bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) until Tehran receives firm guarantees on the agency’s conduct.
Uzbekistan will significantly expand its small hydropower capacity through a new $150 million World Bank project, aiming to enhance electricity access and boost renewable energy production nationwide.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is now "much further away from a nuclear weapon" following recent U.S. airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites, contradicting reports that the damage only caused minor delays.
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has announced a major reform initiative aimed at strengthening national sovereignty in the country’s space sector.
An historic mission began early on Wednesday (25 June) as astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) for their countries’ first-ever visit. They were joined by NASA veteran Peggy Whitson.
An explosive device detonated on an armoured combat-engineering vehicle in Khan Younis in Gaza, killing seven Israeli soldiers and seriously wounding another soldier on Tuesday (24 June).
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is now "much further away from a nuclear weapon" following recent U.S. airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites, contradicting reports that the damage only caused minor delays.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 25th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A landslide in northwest Colombia has left multiple people dead and injured, with rescue efforts still underway.
U.S. and Iranian officials have engaged in dialogue amid recent regional tensions, with Washington expressing cautious optimism about the outcome.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is now "much further away from a nuclear weapon" following recent U.S. airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites, contradicting reports that the damage only caused minor delays.
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has announced a major reform initiative aimed at strengthening national sovereignty in the country’s space sector.
An historic mission began early on Wednesday (25 June) as astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) for their countries’ first-ever visit. They were joined by NASA veteran Peggy Whitson.
An explosive device detonated on an armoured combat-engineering vehicle in Khan Younis in Gaza, killing seven Israeli soldiers and seriously wounding another soldier on Tuesday (24 June).
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment