Why the U.S. Must Reclaim the Panama Canal: A Strategic Imperative
In Washington D.C., a debate has ignited, one that echoes the geopolitical strategies of the past but is charged with the urgency of today's global challenges. The reclamation of the Panama Canal, a waterway that once symbolized American engineering prowess and strategic dominance, has become a threat to national and economic security and the case for taking back the Panama Canal from Panama has never been stronger!
"We didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back."-President Trump.
Panama has become the world’s staging ground for an illegal invasion of the United States, with people flying into Panama and neighboring countries from 150 nations, utilizing organized camps, and receiving assistance, even from the UN, US, and Red Cross, to make their way to towards the U.S. border. This is not just a security threat but a calculated strategy by foreign powers to challenge U.S. sovereignty, leveraging our unwalled, unsecured border.
Help Us Reclaim the Panama Canal!
The canal remains one of the world's most vital trade routes, with a significant portion of U.S. maritime commerce passing through it. Recent overcharging on American vessels, including those from the U.S. Navy, highlights not only an economic issue but a strategic one.
Today, all former U.S. bases have been transformed into a foothold for China in our backyard. Chinese companies have invested heavily in infrastructure projects, including logistics centers, port operations, and real estate developments.
The presence of Chinese entities around the canal, specifically through Hong Kong-based companies managing ports at both ends, raises national security concerns. China's Belt and Road Initiative has been expanding its influence in Latin America, and allowing such a strategic point to drift under any form of external influence that could be leveraged against U.S. interests is untenable. The canal's neutrality, as promised by the treaties, seems increasingly at risk, underscored by President Trump's recent claims on the matter.
Businesses in Panama’s port cities now showcase their allegiance with bright red and gold Chinese signs. English and Spanish have been eclipsed by Chinese characters adorning everything from local markets selling Chinese imports to new logistics hubs run by companies like Hutchison Port Holdings, where even local eateries and services embrace Chinese themes, indicating a strategic economic influence aligning the canal's rhythm with Beijing's commercial ambitions.
Help Us Reclaim the Panama Canal!
The historical argument for reclaiming the canal isn't just about nostalgia for past American achievements; it's about safeguarding future American interests. The U.S. built the canal with American lives and capital for American strategic and economic benefits. Giving it away was, arguably, a foolish, wasteful decision, ignoring the long-term implications in an ever-changing world. The strategic value of the canal for both military and commercial shipping cannot be overstated, especially in times when global supply chains are as critical as military readiness.
The ‘Panama Canal Repurchase Act of 2025 has been introduced by Representative Dusty Johnson has been introduced to explore negotiations for reacquiring control, driven by a bipartisan concern over China's expanding footprint in the Western Hemisphere.
Reclaiming the Panama Canal is not about imperialistic ambitions but about strategic necessity. The treaties signed decades ago were based on a world that no longer exists. The strategic landscape has shifted, and with it, so should our policies. Taking back the Panama Canal isn't about undoing history; it's about shaping a future where American interests are not just protected but are actively secured. The debate in Washington should lead to actions that reflect the reality of today's geopolitical chessboard, where every move counts.
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