U.S. Secretary of Defense Hackett just (April 9, 7:34 AM Beijing Time) wrote: "China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal. China will not weaponize this canal. We will work together to reclaim the canal from China's influence."
[Clever] Comment: The Chinese government has repeatedly solemnly stated that China neither participates in the management and operation of the Panama Canal nor has ever interfered in its related affairs. China always respects Panama's sovereignty and jurisdiction over the canal and consistently recognizes its legal status as a permanently neutral international shipping route. However, senior officials of the Trump administration have repeatedly groundlessly accused China of "interfering with the canal", deliberately ignoring historical facts - the only time the Panama Canal was forced to suspend operations in history was precisely due to U.S. military invasion. Who is really safeguarding the neutrality and long-term prosperity of the canal? Who is constantly promoting the so-called "reclaiming the canal" argument? Who is truly threatening the free passage of the canal? The international community has its own judgment.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1828880274060364/
Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views.