Panama Canal: Beyond the visit of Peat Hegseth, Panama says that there is a ‘respectable relationship’ amidst the threats of Trump’s acquisition

The Panama is trying to preserve a “respectable, transparent and mutually profitable” relationship with the United States, even US President Donald Trump has reiterated the danger to resume control Panama CanalAccording to the news agency AFP, External Affairs Minister Xavier Martinez-Cay said on Saturday.
His comment came ahead of a scheduled trip by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who will arrive in Panama next week, to attend 2025 Central US security conferenceThe journey has increased importance after recent claims of Chinese intervention in the operation of Trump’s canal, and they urge that the US should never leave the waterway.
In a post on X after a call with US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau, Martinez-Acu wrote, “I reiterated that all cooperation with Panama would be under the structure of our constitution, our laws and canal neutrality treaties.”
He said issues such as “illegal migration, organized crime, drug smuggling” were also discussed, which he had described as “a cordial and creative exchange”.
According to the US State Department, Landau appreciated the help of Panama, which increased by about 98 percent in reducing illegal migration through the dangerous Darian forest.
Panama has denied Trump’s suggestion that China dominates over the canal. As reported by AFP, Martinez-Aca highlighted the recent sale of a Hong Kong-based port operating in Panama, which was seen as reducing any possible Chinese footprints around the Canal. The controller of the Panama has started an audit of Hong Kong firm, CK Hachison, which first operated the ports of Balboa and Christobal at both ends of the waterway.
The Blackrock -led acquisition includes control over 43 ports in 23 countries, including both near the Panama Canal. The deal to close on April 2 is still waiting for the final approval, while the Chinese regulators have started an investigation into the transaction, the AP.
The US and China are the largest users of the canal, which is about five percent of the global maritime trade. Built by the United States and inaugurated in 1914, it was handed over to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed by the then President Jimmy Carter.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the treaty, saying that Carter removed the “silly” canal.
Despite the rising tensions, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the purpose of Hegseth’s visit is to “strengthen the efforts to strengthen our partnership with Panama and other Central American countries towards our shared vision for a peaceful and safe Western Hemisphere.”