Panama complains to UN over Trump's threat to seize Canal

Panama has formally lodged a complaint with the United Nations in response to US President Donald Trump's "worrying" threat to seize the Panama Canal, an issue exacerbated by Panama's concerns over China's growing influence in the region.

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the government in Panama City invoked an article of the UN Charter that prohibits "the threat or use of force" against the territorial integrity or political independence of any member state, Caliber.Az reports via Western news sources.

The letter, made public on January 21, urges Guterres to refer the matter to the UN Security Council, though it does not request a formal meeting.

In December 2024, President Donald Trump threatened to reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal, citing "exorbitant" fees charged to American ships and alleging that the canal was "falling into the wrong hands," referring to Chinese involvement.

During his inaugural address on January 20, Trump raised concerns about China's involvement in the canal, stating: "We didn’t give it to China, we gave it to Panama. And we’re taking it back." He repeated his claims that China was effectively "operating" the Panama Canal due to its growing presence in the region.

When asked about the remarks, Beijing firmly denied any interference. "China has always respected Panama’s sovereignty over the canal and recognized the canal as a permanent neutral international waterway," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

Panama has launched an audit of the Panama Ports Company, the Hong Kong-linked operator of two major ports on the canal. The company, a subsidiary of Hutchison Ports, operates the Balboa and Cristobal ports located at either end of the waterway.

The Panamanian comptroller's office announced an "exhaustive audit" to ensure the efficient and transparent use of public resources at the Panama Ports Company. The investigation will determine if the company complies with its concession agreements, which include proper reporting of income, payments, and contributions to the state.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino also addressed the tensions, stating unequivocally, "The canal is and will remain Panama’s." 

The Panama Ports Company's concession agreement, which governs the operation of the two ports, was extended for an additional 25 years in 2021. Despite Trump's increasing pressure over the canal, it remains an essential part of global trade, with the United States being its largest user, followed by China. Since the US handed over control of the canal to Panama in 1999, the waterway has contributed over $30 billion to Panama’s state coffers, including nearly $2.5 billion in the last fiscal year.

The United States largely built the canal and administered territory surrounding the passage for decades. But the United States and Panama signed a pair of accords in 1977 that paved the way for the canal's return to full Panamanian control. The United States handed it over in 1999 after a period of joint administration.

By Khagan Isayev