Trump calls for Panama to lower Canal fees or return it to US control

Donald Trump, the incoming US President, criticized Panama Canal fees as excessive and called for a reduction. He suggested that if Panama does not comply, the canal should be returned to the United States. Trump expressed concerns about the canal potentially falling into "the wrong hands," specifically mentioning Chinese influence. He emphasized that the canal was originally a cooperative gesture between the US and Panama. The Panama Canal, which handles about 5% of global maritime traffic, is managed by the Panama Canal Authority. The US is the largest user of the canal, followed by China and Japan.