President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday stunned reporters by refusing to rule out military or economic coercion to secure U.S. control over Greenland and the Panama Canal.
Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump doubled down on his assertion that these strategic locations are vital to the United States’ economic and national security interests.
When pressed about whether he could rule out military or economic coercion in acquiring these areas, Trump’s response was characteristically direct.
“No,” Trump said. “You’re talking about Panama and Greenland. I can’t assure you of either of those two. But I can say this: We need them for economic security. The Panama Canal was built for our military. I’m not going to commit to that now. It might be that you’ll have to do something. Look, the Panama Canal is vital to our country. It’s being operated by China.”
Trump’s remarks highlight concerns over Chinese influence in the operation of the Panama Canal, a critical waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
In December 2024, President-elect Donald Trump expressed concerns over Panama’s management of the canal and China’s involvement. He criticized increased fees for U.S. vessels and suggested that the canal could fall into “the wrong hands,” implying potential Chinese control.
Chinese companies manage two of Panama’s five principal ports. Notably, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings operates ports at both entrances of the canal.
Additionally, Chinese firms have funded major infrastructure projects, including a new bridge over the canal, with investments exceeding $1 billion, according to Newsweek.
In the Conditions section of the “Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal” there is a specified role for the US in ensuring the operations and security of the Panama Canal.
The current center of gravity in the US-China struggle in Panama is… pic.twitter.com/N1uDv0cnXr
— ColonelRETJohn2 (@ColonelRETJohn2) December 24, 2024
Trump also reiterated his longstanding interest in acquiring Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark. The Arctic island is rich in natural resources and holds immense geopolitical value due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle and the presence of U.S. military assets, including Thule Air Base.
“We need Greenland for national security purposes,” Trump said. “People don’t even know if Denmark has any legal right to it. But if they do, they should give it up.”
WATCH:
Q: Can you assure the world that as you try to get control of these areas [Greenland or Panama] you are not gonna use military or economic coercion?
TRUMP: No. I can’t assure you. I’m not going to commit to that. It might be that you’ll have to do something. pic.twitter.com/vJSYLVfJnW
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 7, 2025
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