Washington
Ever since power changed in America, China’s troubles have not been named. The new President Donald Trump has created a lot of difficulties in front of China with his economic and strategic policies. After applying heavy tariffs, Donald Trump has now increased headache for China once again. The US recently prepared a plan that will make China a lot of difficulties. Recently, America has once again taken a tough stand on the Panama Canal. US Defense Minister Pit Hedesath has clearly stated that the US will end up China’s influence with Panama and again establish its impact on this strategic waterway.
Actually, in the last few days, Pit Hedgeh was on a tour of Panama. This was the first time in the last several decades when an US Defense Minister reached Panama. There he interacted with Panama President Hosse Raul Mulino in a closed room. This meeting expressed concern about the investment and increasing impact in the Panama Canal, especially from China. After the discussion, Pitt announced that the forces of the US and Panama together will further strengthen security cooperation.
Preparation to end China’s influence
Hedgeht said, “We will free the Panama Canal from the influence of China. China has not built the canal nor does it operate it. In such a situation, it cannot be allowed to use it as a weapon.” He said that if there is a new agreement between the US and Panama after 1999, then the canal can be liberated with the influence of China.
Significantly, the Panama Canal has always been of strategic importance for America. In the early 20th century, the US built this canal which connects the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. The US continued to operate it for decades, but under the agreement signed in 1977 at the time of the then President Jimmy Carter, it was handed over to Panama in 1999.
America again aggressive about Panama Canal
But when Donald Trump became President again, he once again showed an aggressive stance on this canal. He accused Panama of forcibly charging a fee from American ships and made it clear that the US could take this canal under its control again. In February, Panama separated himself from China’s Belt and Road project due to US pressure. Now America is looking for its return to the Panama Canal by retiring this opportunity.
