The Panama Canal has belonged to Panama for decades. However, President Donald Trump wants it back, accusing the country of handing it over to China.
“We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made,” the president said in his inaugural speech. “And Panama’s promise to us has been broken. The purpose of our deal and the spirit of our treaty has been totally violated. American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form.”
Now, protests are springing up in Panama while its government raises the issue with the United Nations.
What does the US have to do with the Panama Canal?
The United States controlled the canal and most of the territory near it beginning in 1903, just before its construction.
President Jimmy Carter signed a deal to return the Panama Canal Zone to Panama in 1979, which became effective in 1999.
Both before and after Panama took control, the canal has served as a crucial link for international shipping. Canal-related revenues make up a significant portion of the GDP of Panama, which is a U.S. ally.
Why is Panama involving the United Nations?
The country has repeatedly expressed concerns over President Trump’s rhetoric about the Panama Canal. After Trump’s inauguration speech on Monday, Jan. 20, the Panamanian government wrote to the United Nations, saying that his comments possibly violated the UN Charter.
Article 2, Section 4 of the charter says, “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.”
Panama did not ask the UN Security Council to schedule a meeting but could do so in the future. The U.S., however, is one of five countries with full veto power in the UN Security Council.
