WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States said on Wednesday 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 X.It was the first public announcement of promises hinted at by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Panama offered concessions during his talks on Sunday.The Panama Canal Authority, the agency that runs the vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, said no agreement had been reached.
Since his reelection 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.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 US 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.
Claims Free Passage Through Panama Canal
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