The Panamanian government formally raised concerns with the United Nations over President Trump’s threats to retake the Panama Canal, noting any threat of force would violate rules.
In a letter to U.N. Secretary General António Guterres, Panama points to U.N. Charter language that directs members to “refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of any force against the territorial integrity” or independence of another state.
The letter also repeats a declaration from Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino.
“The Canal is and will remain Panama’s and its administration will remain under Panamanian control with respect to its permanent neutrality,” he said on Inauguration Day.
The letter responds to a claim from Trump in his inaugural address, saying, “Above all, China is operating the Panama Canal, and we didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama. And we’re taking it back.”
Trump’s comments on the canal are among his latest territorial fixations, as he has also pushed to obtain Greenland from Denmark.
During his address, he made several false claims about the canal, including that 38,000 Americans died building it. Previous fact checks have found the number is closer to 300.
China has invested heavily in Panama, including in a number of construction deals, and it does manage two of Panama’s five main ports. But it plays no role in managing the canal.
Beijing has repeatedly rejected Trump’s claims.
“We agree with Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino @joseraulmulino that Panama’s sovereignty and independence are not negotiable, and the #PanamaCanal is not under direct or indirect control by any power,” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on X.
“China does not take part in managing or operating the Canal. Never ever has China interfered. We respect Panama’s sovereignty over the Canal and recognize it as a permanently neutral international waterway.”
Laura Kelly contributed.
