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China has now joined Russia and criticized President Donald Trump’s demands to regain control of the Panama Canal.

Some shit you should know before you read: During his inauguration speech, President Trump reiterated his pledge to “take back” the Panama Canal, arguing that the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaty, which transferred control of the canal to Panama in 1999, was a “foolish gift” that has harmed US interests. Trump claims that American shippers (and the US Navy) are being “severely overcharged” for using the canal and are not treated fairly. Trump has also claimed that China has gained influence over the canal through a Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchison Holdings, which manages ports at both canal entrances.  

Source @thepanamacanal official photo

What’s going on now: In response to President Trump’s claims, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning strongly refuted the accusations, dismissing them as unfounded. She said, “China has not participated in the management and operation of the canal, has never interfered in the canal’s affairs, has always respected Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, and recognizes the canal as a permanently neutral international waterway.” She added, “The canal is not directly or indirectly controlled by any major power.”

China’s pushback follows comments from Russia’s Foreign Ministry yesterday, which called on Trump to “respect the current international legal regime of this key waterway.” They added that the US does not have “the right to interfere in the internal affairs of Panama.”

Panama President Jose Mulino (image from @JoseraulMulino)

This all comes as Panama’s President Jose Mulino has rejected President Trump’s claims about the Panama Canal and his threats to retake it by force. While speaking to the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Mulino said, “We reject in its entirety everything that Mr. Trump has said. First, because it is false, and second, because the Panama Canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama. The Panama Canal was not a concession or a gift from the United States.”

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