Panama Rejects Trump's Threat to Take Back Control of Canal

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to reassert US control over the Panama Canal, citing concerns over potential Chinese influence and perceived unfair treatment of American shipping and naval vessels. Trump has claimed that the US "foolishly" ceded control of the canal to Panama and that the fees charged by Panama to American ships are "exorbitant" and "ridiculous." However, Panama's President Juan Carlos Varela has firmly rejected Trump's notion, insisting that Panama's sovereignty over the canal is non-negotiable and that every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama. Varela has stated that the US and other countries are free to use the canal, but they must abide by Panama's rules and regulations.