Panama City, Panama — The Panamanian government has denied US claims that it has waived transit fees for American government vessels using the Panama Canal.
In a post on X, the US State Department asserted that its government ships could now cross the canal free of charge, a move it said would save the US millions of dollars annually. However, Panama refuted this statement, maintaining that no such arrangement had been made.
The controversy follows remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly claimed that Panama has lost control of the canal to China, an assertion both Panama and China have dismissed.
Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino during his Central America tour. Discussions reportedly included Panama’s position in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with Mulino expressing interest in disengaging from the project.
Trump has also reiterated his desire for the US to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, a strategic trade route vital to global commerce.
By Taiwo Olatinwo|February 6, 2025
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