TRUMP DEMANDS FREE PASSAGE FOR US SHIPS THROUGH PANAMA, SUEZ CANALS

ISTANBUL, April 27 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- United States (US) President Donald Trump on Saturday said American vessels should travel through the Panama and Suez canals without paying fees, claiming that the two strategic waterways owe their existence to the US.

“American Ships, both Military and Commercial, should be allowed to travel, free of charge, through the Panama and Suez Canals,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported

“Those Canals would not exist without the United States of America,” he added, directing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “immediately take care of, and memorialise, this situation.”

National Security Advisor Michael Waltz supported Trump's position regarding the Panama Canal. He said the US "shouldn't have to pay to use a canal" it had built.

The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through Panama.

The Suez Canal in Egypt links the Mediterranean and Red seas, providing the shortest maritime route between Europe and the Indian and western Pacific oceans.

Both canals charge substantial transit fees, which can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on vessel size and cargo.

The Trump administration has been working to reduce China’s influence over the Panama Canal. The US constructed the canal more than 120 years ago and transferred control to Panama in 1999.

In February, Panama withdrew from China’s Belt and Road Initiative following pressure from Washington and a visit by Rubio.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU