Panama has filed a complaint with the United Nations regarding President Donald Trump’s “worrying” remarks about taking control of the Panama Canal, coinciding with the start of an official review of the Hong Kong-affiliated company that operates two ports on the isthmian passage.
In a message to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, officials in Panama City cited a portion of the U.N. Charter barring any member from “the threat or use of force” against the sovereignty or political independence of another.
The correspondence released to journalists on Tuesday calls on Guterres to bring this concern before the U.N. Security Council, though it does not request a formal meeting.
During his inaugural address on Monday, Trump repeated his claim that China was essentially “operating” the Panama Canal due to its expanding activities around the waterway, which the United States officially transferred at the close of 1999.
“We didn’t give it to China, we gave it to Panama. And we’re taking it back,” Trump said.
Following that statement, the Panamanian comptroller’s office responsible for overseeing public institutions revealed that it would launch “an exhaustive audit” designed to ensure the proper and transparent use of public funds at the Panama Ports Company.
That organization is part of Hutchison Ports, which belongs to the Hong Kong-headquartered conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings, managing port facilities in Balboa and Cristobal at each end of the canal.
According to the comptroller’s office, the initiative aims to confirm that the company meets the conditions set forth in its agreements, including correct reporting of earnings, fees, and state contributions.
Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has rejected suggestions that any foreign power is exerting influence over the canal, emphasizing that the waterway is run on a platform of neutrality.
“The canal is and will remain Panama’s,” Mulino said in response to Trump’s threats.
For several weeks, the Republican has escalated his stance concerning the canal — a route through which 40% of U.S. container traffic moves — and has not ruled out the use of military action to reclaim it.
The contract for the Panama Ports Company received a 25-year extension in 2021.
The primary user of the canal is the United States, with China following as the second-largest user.
Since 2000, the canal’s operations have generated over $30 billion for Panama’s treasury, including nearly $2.5 billion in the most recent fiscal year.
{Matzav.com}