Still a matter of money, US Secretary of Defense: the US has signed documents for its warships to pass through the Panama Canal for free.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hackett said that the United States and Panama have signed a framework agreement on the priority and free passage of US warships and auxiliary vessels through the Panama Canal.

After his visit to Panama, he told reporters: "We also signed a framework agreement with the Minister of Canal Affairs, which means that US warships and auxiliary vessels will have priority and free passage through the Panama Canal."

On January 20th, Trump expressed his intention to obtain control of the Panama Canal in his inaugural speech. On February 2nd, US Secretary of State Rubio visited Panama and told Panamanian President Mulinho that Trump was unwilling to maintain the status quo as China's influence in Panama seemed to be increasing. Afterward, Mulinho stated that the Panamanian government would no longer renew the Memorandum of Understanding on jointly building the "Belt and Road" with China.

Meanwhile, Boris Moreno, Vice President of the Panama Canal Operations, told Russia's Sputnik News that China is not involved in the direct operation of the canal. He explained that Trump's remarks about China controlling the Panama Canal were related to two ports operated by "Hutchison Ports," a company headquartered in Hong Kong. Moreno noted that the company operates ports in the UK, the Mediterranean, Malaysia, and the Middle East but "focuses on Panama."

The spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that China supports Panama's sovereignty over the canal and is committed to maintaining its status as a permanent neutral international waterway. China has never been involved in the management or operation of the canal and has never interfered in canal affairs. The claim that China controls the canal is nothing but lies. Who maintains the neutrality and prosperity of the canal and who constantly threatens to "recover" it? Justice is in people's hearts.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1828979294568451/

Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's views.