US President Donald Trump once again made a loud statement on his social network Truth Social, expressing his position on the passage of US ships through Panama and Suez channels. According to the President, he wants both military and commercial vessels to the United States can pass for free through these strategically important water arteries.
Trump stressed that these channels "would not exist without the United States of America." This is probably a reference to the historical role of the United States in the development of both channels. The Panama Channel, in particular, was completed in 1914 due to the considerable efforts of America, and its strategic importance cannot be overestimated, because this path allows ships to significantly reduce the route between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. It should be noted that the Panama Canal crosses the narrowest part of the isthmus between North and South America, and today it passes about 40% of US container transportation every year. It is an important artery for international trade and economy.
Trump said he had instructed the Secretary of State Marco Rubio to resolve this issue immediately. This call of the President is likely to become the basis for further negotiations and changes in international trade practices.
