Panama holds 'firm' as US mulls military options for canal takeover
Panama City has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining independence following reports that US President Donald Trump is considering measures to "reclaim" the Panama Canal.
NBC reported on Thursday that the White House had asked the military to come up with options to "reclaim" the Panama Canal.
The American television network said the White House had directed the US military to draw up options to increase the American troop presence in Panama to fulfil Trump’s desire of “reclaiming” the Panama Canal, according to two US officials familiar with the planning.
In response, Panama's government emphasized on Thursday that it would remain "firm" in defending its sovereignty and the Panama Canal.
“With respect to these statements, I have nothing more to say than that Panama remains firm in defending its territory, its canal, and its sovereignty,” Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha told reporters.
“Let it be clear, the canal belongs to the Panamanians and will remain so,” he added.
The Trump administration’s goal is reportedly to increase the US military presence in Panama to diminish China’s influence there, particularly access to the canal.
Also, in his joint address to Congress last week, Trump insisted that "to further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal.”
Trump’s remarks came after the US firm BlackRock and a consortium of investors announced a deal to buy two ports at either end of the canal from a Chinese firm.
Already, the US military has reportedly more than 200 troops in Panama, but the number fluctuates as troops rotate in and out.
The US formally took over control from the French of building the canal in 1904. After 10 years the US-controlled canal became operational. In 1999, the US relinquished control and the canal was formally handed over to Panama.
The artificial 82-kilometer waterway connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean.
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