Trump’s threat to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal: what was behind it?

Trump's threat to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal: what was behind it?

President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on a platform focused on distancing the United States from international conflicts, including the situation in Ukraine, advocating for higher tariffs on foreign trade partners, and emphasizing the need to revitalize domestic manufacturing.

Recently, he has indicated a shift towards a more assertive stance in his foreign policy.

Initially, he made light of the idea that Canada could be considered just another state of the United States. He has issued threats to reclaim control of the Panama Canal. He once again expressed his interest in acquiring the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland despite its status as not being for sale.

It appears improbable that the United States will assume control over these regions. These statements suggest that Trump’s “America First” vision may encompass extending the superpower’s influence beyond its borders to safeguard US trade and national security interests.

During a conservative conference in Arizona on Sunday, Trump criticized Panama for imposing what he described as “ridiculous, highly unfair” fees on US ships utilizing the Panama Canal.

In the early 20th century, the United States assumed responsibility for the construction of the canal, ultimately transferring complete control to Panama in the 1970s through a treaty. This week, Trump asserted that if the “rip off” continued, he would call for the canal’s return to the United States, although he did not clarify how he would pursue this demand.

Trump expressed concerns about the Panama Canal potentially “falling into the wrong hands,” explicitly mentioning China, which holds considerable interests in the strategic waterway.

Will Freeman, a fellow on Latin American studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, emphasized the significance of controlling neutrality in relation to Trump’s remarks, highlighting a genuine national security interest for the United States.

“The focus of Trump’s statement primarily revolves around that”

According to data, China is the second-largest user of the Panama Canal, following the United States. The country also makes significant economic investments.

In 2017, Panama severed its diplomatic relations with Taiwan, officially recognizing it as part of China, marking a significant victory for Beijing.

According to Mr. Freeman, the Panama Canal is crucial in US trade within the Pacific region. He emphasized that the canal would be vital for moving US ships and other military assets in a military conflict with China.

The individual highlighted Trump’s recurring remarks regarding the perceived unfair treatment of the US by trade partners, alongside the president-elect’s commitment to significantly raise tariffs on imported goods, especially those originating from China.

According to Mr. Freeman, Trump’s grievances regarding shipping fees appeared to align with his broader perspectives on trade.

Mr. Freeman acknowledged that the statements could be perceived as “coercive,” but he emphasized that it was yet to be determined “whether canal authorities will reduce fees on US cargo in reaction to the threat.”

In a recent statement, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino asserted that the canal and its adjacent territories are the nation’s rightful property and will remain under its jurisdiction.

Trump sets his sights on Greenland

Over the weekend, Trump expressed via a social media post that the United States considers the ownership and control of Greenland essential for national security and the promotion of global freedom.

The United States operates the Pituffik Space Base located in Greenland. The region boasts an abundance of natural resources, such as rare earth minerals and oil. It holds a pivotal position for trade as international powers aim to extend their influence in the Arctic Circle.

Russia views the region as a significant strategic opportunity.

In 2019, during his initial term in office, Trump proposed the controversial notion of acquiring Greenland, which ultimately did not materialize.

In a firm rebuttal to former President Trump’s recent remarks, Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B Egede declared, “We are not for sale, and we will not be for sale.”

Despite the circumstances, Trump persisted in highlighting his public statements through online platforms.

Trump’s account on Truth Social featured an image depicting an American flag being planted at the Panama Canal.

Eric Trump, the second-eldest son of former President Donald Trump, shared a provocative image on X depicting the United States adding Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Canada to an Amazon online shopping cart.

Trump’s pledges to leverage America’s strength to its benefit significantly drove his two successful presidential campaigns.

During his initial term in office, he employed a strategy that involved threatening tariffs and the potential deployment of “armed soldiers” to compel Mexico to enhance its enforcement measures along the US border.

As Trump prepares for his second term, there is speculation that he may adopt a familiar strategy upon assuming office on January 20.

Denmark is ready to collaborate with his administration despite an uncertain future.

A significant increase in defence spending for Greenland was announced just hours after former President Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring the Arctic territory.

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