President Trump seeks to regain control of the Panama Canal due to concerns over China’s influence. The U.S. military has been directed to explore options, including potentially military strategies, to ensure access to the canal. Any foreign attempt to seize it by force would likely breach international law and treaties.
The United States military has been instructed to explore options to ensure full access to the Panama Canal, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters. President Donald Trump has consistently expressed his desire to “take back” the Panama Canal, a vital waterway located at the isthmus between North and South America. Despite this, he has not detailed specific plans or indicated whether military action may be necessary.
An anonymous U.S. official noted that an interim national security guidance document from the Trump administration tasks the military with investigating potential military strategies to secure the canal. This is in line with the Pentagon’s last published National Defense Strategy from 2022, which prioritizes military objectives. The interim guidance shares similarities with Trump’s prior executive orders and public statements, serving as prelude to a more comprehensive policy document.
The White House has reportedly directed the Pentagon to establish options regarding the Panama Canal due to concerns that China’s control over the canal could jeopardize American strategic interests. In his inaugural address, Trump reiterated allegations that Panama had violated commitments made during the canal’s transfer to them in 1999.
Any potential action by a foreign nation to seize control of the canal through military force would likely be deemed a violation of international law. The U.S. and Panama are bound by treaties to defend the canal’s neutrality and are authorized to undertake unilateral actions as required. The United States originally gained rights to the canal in the early 20th century, with a treaty signed in 1979 facilitating its transfer to Panama at the end of 1999.
In summary, President Trump has renewed discussions regarding U.S. objectives with respect to the Panama Canal, expressing a desire to regain control over this strategically significant waterway. The military has been tasked with evaluating options, which may include military action. However, any aggressive movement to reclaim the canal would contravene international law, given the existing treaty obligations between the U.S. and Panama.
Original Source: www.kibrispostasi.com
