President-elect Donald Trump threatens to reassert US control over the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of charging excessive rates to use the Central American passage, which allows ships to cross between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Arizona, Trump also said he would not let the canal fall into the ‘wrong hands,’ warning of potential Chinese influence on the passage. China does not control or administer the canal, but a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has long managed two ports on the Caribbean and Pacific entrances to the canal. Trump’s comments came hours after he leveled a similar threat against Panama in a post on Truth Social on Dec. 21. The US built the canal and administered territory surrounding the passage for decades. But the US and Panama signed a pair of accords in 1977 that paved the way for the canal’s return to full Panamanian control.US NETWORK POOL/REUTERS
Trump threatens to retake control of Panama Canal unless deal reachedTrump threatens to retake control of Panama Canal unless deal reached The Manila Times
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