Panama City, Panama – The sovereignty of the Panama Canal has been declared “non-negotiable” by Panama in response to recent comments made by US President-elect Donald Trump. Trump’s statements, made during a news conference, raised concerns after he refused to rule out the possibility of using military force to seize control of the canal. Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha reaffirmed that only Panamanian hands operate the canal, emphasizing that it will remain under Panamanian control.

The Panama Canal, once managed by the US, was handed over to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed by former US President Jimmy Carter. Despite Trump’s criticism of this decision, Panama has firmly asserted its right to manage the canal independently. Trump’s interest in potentially acquiring both Greenland and the Panama Canal has sparked debate, with questions arising about the use of military or economic force in any acquisition attempts.

In response to Trump’s comments, Panama’s foreign minister clarified that no official offer regarding the canal had been received from the president-elect. Martínez-Acha emphasized the historical significance of the canal’s sovereignty to Panama, calling it an “irreversible conquest.” President José Raúl Mulino echoed this sentiment, promising that the canal will remain under Panama’s control indefinitely.

Trump’s claims about Chinese influence in the canal have been refuted by the Panamanian government, which has firmly denied the presence of Chinese soldiers there. As Panama navigates its diplomatic relations with the US, it remains committed to cooperating with different governments and maintaining strong international ties. With the transition of power to the new US administration on the horizon, Panama looks ahead to continuing its partnerships with the United States.