After U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that American ships should pass through the Suez and Panama Canals for free, Panamanian President Cortizo posted on social platform "X" on April 26, stating that the "Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal" and the "Organic Law of the Panama Canal Authority" stipulate the tolls for passing through the Panama Canal. There are no other agreements that contradict this. According to the aforementioned treaty and laws, the Panama Canal Authority is responsible for supervising cooperative matters regarding the canal.
Earlier on April 26, Trump said on the "Truth Social" platform that American military and civilian ships should be allowed to pass through the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal for free.
Trump stated: "I have asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately address and document this situation."
According to Reuters, the Panama Canal crosses the narrowest part of the isthmus between North America and South America, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The canal handles about 40% of America's container transport volume.
America completed the construction of the Panama Canal in the early 20th century. The treaty signed by Panama and the United States in 1977 recognized Panama's sovereignty over the canal and the canal zone. The U.S. finally returned the canal completely to Panama on December 31, 1999.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire for the U.S. to "regain control" of this canal. Before taking office, he told reporters that he would not rule out using economic or military means to regain control of the canal.
This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reproduced without permission.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7497893326893679138/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone. Please use the [Like/Dislike] buttons below to express your opinion.