Debunking Trump's Claims: China and the Panama Canal Connection**

President Trump has made controversial remarks asserting that China controls the Panama Canal, a claim rebutted by officials from Panama and Beijing, highlighting the canal's governance by the Panamanian authorities.**

The spotlight fell on the Panama Canal during President Donald Trump's recent remarks, as he reiterated a controversial assertion that China "operates" the crucial waterway. This statement has ignited discussions about the true nature of China's involvement with the canal, especially considering its significance as a global shipping route.

Trump's claims were first aired during his inaugural address and mentioned again in a social media post stating that "wonderful soldiers of China" are "illegally" managing the canal. These comments were met with swift denials from both Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Chinese officials, who stressed that there is no Chinese interference in the canal's operations. The Panama Canal Authority, representing the Panamanian government, has maintained exclusive control over the canal since the U.S. relinquished control in 1999.

Historically, the U.S. played a fundamental role in constructing the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. After the initial French attempt to build the canal failed, the U.S. took over the project, completing it in 1914. Control shifted to Panama in 1977 with the signing of a treaty by President Jimmy Carter, with today's operations run solely by the Panama Canal Authority.

Contrary to Trump's assertions, evidence does not support the idea of Chinese governmental control over the canal. Nonetheless, China is a significant player in the region, having accounted for over 21% of cargo passing through the canal in recent years. Chinese companies, such as Hutchison Port Holdings, operate key ports adjacent to the canal, raising concerns in Washington about potential Chinese influence in logistical and strategic operations.

China’s investments in Panama are part of broader efforts to strengthen its influence in Latin America—a region historically dominated by U.S. interests. Following Panama's diplomatic shift to establish relations with China in 2017, Beijing's presence in the area has only grown, as evidenced by involvement in infrastructure projects and investment initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.

Experts emphasize that while Chinese companies are active in Panama, their operations do not equate to ownership or control of the Panama Canal. This distinction is essential as Panama insists on its sovereignty and the proper administration of the waterway. Trump's claims reflect ongoing geopolitical tensions amidst a backdrop of economic competition between the U.S. and China, overshadowing the complexities of international relations in the region.