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U.S. State Dept Claims Free Panama Canal Access, Authorities Deny Any Such Deal | N18G

The U.S. government has allegedly reached an agreement allowing its ships to use the Panama Canal for free, which is expected to save millions in fees annually. However, the Panama Canal Authority has denied this claim. The news comes as the Panama Canal becomes a point of contention in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. Trump has criticized China's influence over the Canal and accused Panama of overcharging U.S. vessels. He even threatened to retake control of the Canal, citing concerns over regional financial security. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently visited Panama and held discussions with President Jose Raul Mulino, leading Panama to review China’s role in Canal operations. Panama also announced it would let its involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative expire. China, in turn, expressed dissatisfaction with U.S. remarks regarding its involvement in the Canal but stated cooperation with Panama remains unaffected.

first published: Feb 6, 2025 02:58 pm