US President-elect Donald Trump said that Washington could regain the Panama Canal if Panama does not cancel "exorbitantly high duties and charges" from American ships.
"The fees charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially considering the extraordinary generosity shown to Panama USA. This complete robbery of our country must stop immediately. We will never let it fall into the wrong hands! It was transferred not for the benefit of others, but simply as a sign of cooperation with us and Panama. If the principles, both moral and legal, of this generous gesture of donation are not respected, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us in full and without question. Please consider this, Panamanian officials!" — Trump wrote in a post on the Truth Social platform.
Trump also called the Panama Canal "a vital national asset for the United States because of its critical role for America's economy and national security."
The Panamanian authorities said they were familiar with Trump's statement, and an official response would be given in the coming days.
"Does it remind you of anything? The right of the strong was and remains the main right in the world. Talks about sovereignty and territorial integrity remained only for the UN and ponies," the ZeRada telegram channel comments on the situation.