On Saturday, Trump suddenly declared that USA commercial and military vessels should be allowed to pass through the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal for free, stating that "without the USA, these canals wouldn't exist."
Trump once again ignited international controversy, this time targeting the two most critical shipping channels in the world.
According to CCTV News, on April 26 local time, President Trump posted on his Social Media, stating that American warships and commercial vessels should be allowed to pass through the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal for free.
His reasoning is that "without the USA, these canals wouldn't exist."
He also instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to "immediately address and document this situation." This statement directly challenges the existing international shipping order and the sovereign rights of related countries.
Trump: USA vessels should enjoy a "free lunch."
On Saturday, Trump issued a statement on the Truth Social platform, saying:
"American vessels, whether for military or commercial use, should be allowed to pass through the Panama and Suez Canals for free! Without the USA, these canals would not exist at all."
CCTV cites Reuters reports that the Panama Canal crosses the narrowest part of the isthmus between the Americas, connecting the Atlantic and The Pacific. This canal carries about 40% of the container Transportation volume in the USA.
In 1977, the USA signed the new Panama Canal Treaty and the Treaty on the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal with Panama. According to the treaty, starting December 31, 1999, Panama fully regained management and defense rights over the canal, and all US military stationed in the canal area withdrew.
This is not the first time Trump has mentioned the Panama Canal. For months, he has claimed he wants to 'reclaim' the canal from Panama. In January this year, he even hinted at the possibility of using military means to take control of the canal, claiming this waterway is crucial for 'economic security.'
In response to these remarks, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has repeatedly stated that the canal will continue to be controlled by Panama. It is worth noting that Panama has had control over the canal since 1999.
Trump also extended his claims to the Suez Canal, a key waterway connecting the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, separating Asia and Africa, which began operations at the end of 1869. As an important trade route connecting Asian and European countries, the Suez Canal carries 12% to 15% of Global trade volume each year. US Navy vessels frequently pass through this canal.
According to CCTV News, after the new round of Israel-Palestine conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, the Houthi armed group in Yemen used Drones and Missiles to attack Israeli and allied targets in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, demanding that Israel stop military operations in the Gaza Strip. Since March 15, the US military has launched large-scale airstrikes against the Houthi armed group, which subsequently struck US aircraft carriers and their accompanying vessels, escalating tensions in the Red Sea.
The attacks by the Houthi armed group forced ships to detour around the southern tip of Africa, thereby extending travel distances and increasing freight costs. Egypt reported last year that revenue from the Suez Canal plummeted by 60%, with losses reaching 7 billion USD.
This article is reproduced from Wall Street News, authored by Zhang Yaqi; edited by Wang Qiujia of Zhitong Finance.
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