The US president-elect complained about "exorbitant" tariffs and the handling of the interoceanic passage, and denounced China's growing influence in the canal.

US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday (21.12.2024) criticised what he described as unfair tariffs on US ships passing through the Panama Canal and threatened to demand that Washington regain control of the strategic passage.

"Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and reckless manner. The fees charged by Panama are ridiculous," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The president-elect also denounced a growing influence of China in the canal, a worrying situation that threatens the interests of his country, since American businesses depend on the canal to transport goods between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

"This complete scam of our country will stop immediately," he said.

The Panama Canal, which was completed by the United States in 1914, was returned to the Central American country under the 1977 agreement signed by Democratic President Jimmy Cater.

Panama regained full control of the trade route in 1999.

"It was exclusively for Panama to manage, not China or anyone else," Trump said. "We would never and will never let it fall into the wrong hands!"

If Panama cannot guarantee the "safe, efficient and reliable operation" of the canal, "then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us in its entirety and without a doubt," the Republican added.

Although he will take office on January 20, Trump has been flexing his political muscles in the final days of President Joe Biden's administration.

Some 5% of the world's maritime trade passes through the Panama Canal, allowing ships bound for Asia from the US East Coast to avoid the long and dangerous journey around the southern tip of South America.

The countries that use the Panama Canal the most are the United States, China, Japan and South Korea.

In October, the Panama Canal Authority reported profits of nearly $5 billion for the last fiscal year.

President Mulino responds after Trump's threats

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said Sunday that "every square meter" of the Panama Canal and its surroundings is and will remain his country's property, following threats by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to retake control of the interoceanic waterway.

In a video posted on social media, Mulino added that neither China nor any other power has direct or indirect control over the Canal, which "will continue to be in Panamanian hands."