According to Reuters, President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants to "re conquer" the Panama Canal, a strategic waterway located in the narrowest position between North and South America. However, he did not provide details on how to do it, as well as whether military action was needed.
An unnamed official revealed that a temporary national security guideline from the new administration has directed the military to consider military options to protect access to the canal. The second official said the US military has many potential options, including maintaining close ties with the Panama armed forces.
The document was first reported by CNN, while NBC News previously reported that the White House had asked the Pentagon to prepare plans for the Panama Canal. The Pentagon has not yet made an official comment on the issue.
President Trump believes China is controlling the Panama Canal and could use the route to harm US interests. In his January speech, he repeated the accusation that Panama had failed to fulfill its commitments when it took over the canal from the US in 1999.
Under current treaties, the US and Panama are obliged to protect the canal from all threats to its neutrality and are allowed to take unilateral measures to ensure security. However, any military action by a foreign country to gain control of the canal could violate international law.
The Panama Canal was built and operated by the US in the early 20th century. In 1979, under a treaty signed by the Jimmy Carter administration, the US agreed to transfer control of the canal to Panama at the end of 1999.
