President Laurentino Cortizo Opposes China’s Management of the Panama Canal

Photo: Canal By: Family collection of Infrogmation of New Orleans Source:Wikicommnos

Panama’s President, Laurentino Cortizo, emphatically rejected recent claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who insinuated that China controls the Panama Canal. Cortizo stated that Trump was ‘completely mistaken’ in his statements and emphasized that the Panama Canal is under Panamanian administration and well-managed by Panamanians. Despite Trump’s assertions, Cortizo underscored that the canal, one of the world’s major maritime trade routes, has been managed by Panama since December 31, 1999, when the United States transferred control in accordance with the 1977 Torrijos-Carter treaties.

While Trump’s statements may be part of his political rhetoric and suggest a possible continuation of geopolitical tensions between the United States and China, they are not expected to have an impact on the day-to-day operation of the Panama Canal. In sum, President Cortizo defended Panama’s sovereignty over the canal and refuted Trump’s claims regarding Chinese control.

Top headline:

Diario La República. (2023, 26 agosto). Presidente Laurentino Cortizo rechaza que canal de Panamá se administre por China