Trump wants to control the Panama Canal – level 3

Trump wants to control the Panama Canal

07-01-2025 15:00

Panama recently marked the 25th anniversary of gaining control of the Panama Canal. The United States handed it over on December 31, 1999, but President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to reclaim it.

During the anniversary ceremony, Panama’s President declared the canal would always remain under Panama’s control. The canal has a long history, starting with a failed French construction effort in the 19th century due to diseases that killed thousands of workers. The US completed it by 1914, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and transforming global trade. Although Trump claims the US gets unfair fees and alleges Chinese influence over the canal, there is no evidence supporting these accusations. Under current treaties, the US can only intervene if neutrality is threatened but cannot reclaim control.

The canal remains crucial to global trade. Over 70% of its traffic is linked to the US, which highlights its ongoing geopolitical importance.

Difficult words: allege (to claim without proof), treaty (a formal agreement between countries), crucial (very important).

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What percentage of the Panama Canal's traffic is linked to the United States, and why does this highlight its ongoing geopolitical importance?

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