TG777-tg777 bet-tg777 casino
TG777-tg777 bet-tg777 casino

Hotline:

manaloplay US claims free passage through Panama Canal

Updated:2025-02-16 09:07    Views:148

In this aerial view a cargo ship enters the Panama Canal on the Pacific Ocean side in Panama City on February 4, 2025. Two Panamanian lawyers filed a complaint Monday to cancel the concession of a Hong Kong-based company for operating two ports on the Panama Canal, following US President Donald Trump’s threats to seize the vital waterway. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP)

Washington, United States — The United States said Wednesday that its government vessels would sail for free through the Panama Canal following heavy pressure from President Donald Trump, but authorities at the waterway swiftly issued a denial.

“US government vessels can now transit the Panama Canal without charge fees, saving the US government millions of dollars a year,” the State Department said in a post on social media platform X.

Article continues after this advertisement

It was the first public announcement of promises hinted at by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said that Panama offered concessions during his talks on Sunday.

FEATURED STORIES BUSINESS Laguna hydro power plants up for outright sale BUSINESS BCDA signs up 40 John Hay residential tenants    BUSINESS BIZ BUZZ: Salcedo Auctions vs. Martel trademark war 

READ: Trump vows US ‘taking back’ Panama Canal despite ‘peacemaker’ pledge

The Panama Canal Authority, the agency that runs the vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, said no agreement had been reached.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The Panama Canal Authority, which is empowered to set tolls and other fees for transiting the canal, reports that it has not made any adjustments to them,” the agency said in a statement.

Article continues after this advertisement

It said it was still ready to hold a dialogue with US authorities.

Article continues after this advertisement

Rubio said he had told Panama that it was unfair for the United States to be in a position to defend the vital waterway and also to be charged for its use.

The versatile Arellano forward kept his team glued together in a swashbuckling fightback to reverse University of Perpetual Help-Dalta, 66-59, on Monday at the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.

US government vessels — which would be primarily from the navy — make up a small portion of the ships that go through the canal.

Article continues after this advertisement

Aircraft carriers are too large to sail through the canal and must make the far longer journey around South America through the Strait of Magellan.

Pressure from Trump

The United States and Panama are scheduled to hold new talks on Friday to discuss the canal.

Since winning the US election in November, Trump has refused to rule out the use of force to seize the canal, through which 40 percent of US container traffic passes.

meta88 slot game

Trump and Rubio have complained about Chinese investment — including ports on both sides of the canal — and warned that Beijing could close the waterway to the United States in a crisis.

Panama has forcefully denied Trump’s repeated allegations that China has been given a role in operating the canal.

But it has also moved to address US concerns. President Jose Raul Mulino after his talks with Rubio said that Panama would not renew membership in the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing’s signature infrastructure-building program.

Rubio told reporters on Monday that his talks with Mulino were “respectful” and that the visit was “going to achieve potentially good things that assuage concerns we have.”

Trump, however, said that he was still “not happy,” although he acknowledged that Panama had “agreed to certain things.”

Trump in his inaugural address said the United States would be “taking back” the canal — built more than a century ago by Washington with Afro-Caribbean labor and handed back to Panama at the end of 1999.

Mulino has also ordered an audit of Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings, which runs the two major ports around the canal.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

The company was granted a concession in 1997 that was extended for 25 years in 2021, despite rising concern in Washington as China has tightened its grip on Hong Kongmanaloplay, a former British colony that had been promised autonomy.

READ NEXT US claims free passage through Panama Canal NEA, DOE to install solar power at far-flung schools EDITORS' PICK UMD member Norman Santos dies of kidney failure Judge weighs next steps in Prince Harry’s immigration case Joblessness dips in December 2024 — PSA EDITORIAL: A test of BARMM’s integrity 39 of 61 Mindanao lawmakers back complaint Sara Duterte impeached; House gets 215 to sign MOST READ Tulfo: Didn’t back Duterte impeachment as I might be senator-judge No impeachment trial vs VP Duterte during break of Congress – Escudero SC justice: PhilHealth prioritized investments, not benefits Five things to know about Sara Duterte and her impeachment Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments