Russia Urges Respect for Panama Canal Treaty Amid Trump’s Threat “`
Russia’s foreign ministry urged upholding the existing international agreements governing the Panama Canal and maintaining Panama’s control.
Alexander Shchetinin, head of the ministry’s Latin American department, told TASS he anticipates President Trump will respect the canal’s current international legal framework, established in two 1977 U.S.-Panama treaties.
These treaties transferred canal control to Panama by 2000 and ensured its neutrality.
Since his election, Trump has criticized Panama, accusing it of allowing China to dominate the canal and unfairly charging U.S. ships.
In his inaugural address, Trump reiterated these grievances and declared the U.S. would “take back” the canal.
“We expect that during discussions between Panama’s leadership and President Trump on canal control, the parties will respect the waterway’s current international legal regime,” Shchetinin stated.
He noted a protocol agreement signed by 40 countries, including Russia, recognizing the canal’s neutrality and ensuring its safe and open operation.
“The U.S. and Panama must protect the canal’s neutrality,” Shchetinin emphasized. “The U.S. right to defend the canal doesn’t imply interference in Panama’s internal affairs; American actions won’t target Panama’s territorial integrity or political independence.”
Trump has criticized the agreement, calling it a “big mistake” by President Carter.
“The United States… spent more than ever before on a project and lost 38,000 lives building the Panama Canal,” Trump said in his inaugural address. “We’ve been treated badly due to this foolish gift. Panama’s broken its promise, violating the treaty’s purpose and spirit.”
“American ships are severely overcharged and unfairly treated, including the U.S. Navy. China operates the Panama Canal; we didn’t give it to China, we gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.”
Canal administrator Ricaurte Vásquez stated that China doesn’t control the canal and all nations are treated equally.
The 51-mile canal uses locks and reservoirs to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The U.S. built it in the early 1900s to facilitate commercial and military vessel transit.
The canal avoids the 7,000-mile journey around Cape Horn.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump’s comments, stating, “The Canal is and will remain Panama’s, under Panamanian control, respecting its permanent neutrality.”
“No nation interferes with our administration,” he added, challenging Trump’s assertion that the U.S. “gave” the canal to Panama.
“Dialogue is the best way to clarify issues without undermining our right, total sovereignty, and ownership of our Canal,” Mulino said.
’ Caitlin McFall and