A demonstrator waves the Panama flag during a protest against the inauguration of US President Donald Trump outside the residence of the US ambassador in Panama City on January 20, 2025. Incoming US President Donal Trump has sparked anger among Panamanians by saying he will demand the canal “be returned to us” if Panama could not ensure its “secure, efficient and reliable operation.” (Photo by ARNULFO FRANCO / AFP)
Panama City, Panama — Panama has complained to the United Nations over US President Donald Trump’s “worrying” threat to seize the Panama Canal, even as it launched an audit of the Hong Kong-linked operator of two ports on the interoceanic waterway.
In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the government in Panama City referred to an article of the UN Charter precluding any member from “the threat or use of force” against the territorial integrity or political independence of another.
Article continues after this advertisementThe missive distributed to reporters Tuesday, urges Guterres to refer the matter to the UN Security Council, without asking for a meeting to be convened.
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Trump, in his inaugural address Monday, repeated his complaint that China was effectively “operating” the Panama Canal through its growing presence around the waterway, which the United States handed over at the end of 1999.
Article continues after this advertisement“We didn’t give it to China, we gave it to Panama. And we’re taking it back,” Trump said.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Panamanian comptroller’s office that oversees public entities then announced “an exhaustive audit” would be launched “aimed at ensuring the efficient and transparent use of public resources” at the Panama Ports Company.
Article continues after this advertisementThe company, part of Hutchison Ports, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings, operates the ports of Balboa and Cristobal on either end of the canal.
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Key leaders from both organizations graced the clinic inauguration, including Dr. Ruben G. Kasala, Executive Vice President and CEO of TMCO; Dr. Gregorio S. Martinez Jr., Chief Medical Officer of TMCO; Dr. Christopher Napoleon G. Delos Reyes, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer of TMCO; Mr. Martin Antonio S. Crisostomo, President of LVHAI, and Ms. Mary Jane Regala, Governor of LVHAI.
The comptroller’s office said the aim was to determine whether the company was complying with its concession agreements, including adequate reporting of income, payments and contributions to the state.
100 free bonus casino no deposit Article continues after this advertisementPanama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has denied that any other nation was interfering in the canal, which he said was operated on a principle of neutrality.
“The canal is and will remain Panama’s,” Mulino said in response to Trump’s threats.
The Republican has been raising pressure for weeks over the canal — through which 40 percent of US container traffic travels — and has refused to rule out using military force to reclaim it.
The Panama Ports Company’s concession agreement was extended by 25 years in 2021.
The United States is the canal’s main user, followed by China.
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Since 2000king game, the waterway has contributed more than $30 billion to Panama’s state coffers, including nearly $2.5 billion in the last fiscal year.
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