Panama has written to the U.N. to reject President Donald Trump's threats over the Panama Canal made during his inauguration speech on Monday.
Trump promised to take back the strategically significant waterway, which is operated by a Panamanian authority, and the country has bristled in response.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment via email on Wednesday.
Why It Matters
Trump's comments about reclaiming the canal have raised concerns in Panama about its sovereignty, especially given the history of the U.S. controlling the canal until 1999.
While Panama's letter to the U.N. did not yet ask for a Security Council meeting to be convened, it's a warning of simmering tensions that could escalate depending on how the newly inaugurated president proceeds.
What To Know
Panama has reportedly submitted a formal letter to the U.N. rejecting Trump's statement about reclaiming the canal.
The country's President José Raúl Mulino said in the letter, dated January 20, that the canal "is and will continue to be Panama's," the New York Times reported.
The letter pointed to two articles of the U.N. Charter that prohibits the use of threats or force against a country's territorial integrity or political independence.
In his inauguration speech on Monday, Trump complained that the U.S. was being "treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made," referring to the canal's control being given to Panama in 1999.
Trump further claimed that the canal is now being controlled by China, not Panama.
"American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form, and that includes the United States Navy, and above all, China is operating the Panama Canal," Trump said.
"And we didn't give it to China. We gave it to Panama and we're taking it back."
Panama's president and Beijing have rejected Trump's claims that China controls the canal.
The U.S. built and managed the Panama Canal until the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties set terms for its transfer to Panama in 1999. Since then, the Panama Canal Authority has managed the waterway.
A subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings manages two ports at the canal's entrances, and The Panama Canal Authority, an autonomous government agency, oversees the canal's administration. Chinese firms are also funding a new bridge over the canal to the tune of over $1 billion.
What People Are Saying
Panama President José Raúl Mulino said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter: "Dialogue is always the way to clarify the points mentioned without undermining our right, total sovereignty and ownership of our Canal."
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing said, per Al Jazeera: "China does not participate in the management and operation of the canal and has never interfered in the affairs of the canal."
What Happens Next
Panama's letter to the U.N. stopped short of requesting an immediate Security Council meeting but left the door open for one to take place if tensions escalate.
Separately, the Panamanian comptroller's office announced plans to audit Panama Ports Company, which is controlled by a Hong Kong-based subsidiary that operates key ports near the canal, according to the New York Times.
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