Trump suggests U.S. should retake control of Panama Canal, Panama rejects claims

President-elect Donald Trump suggested the U.S. should retake control of the Panama Canal, claiming Panama charges excessive fees. This statement was quickly rejected by Panama's government, which has controlled the canal since 1999. The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, was initially controlled by the U.S. after a treaty with Panama. Over the years, tensions grew over U.S. control, leading to a handover agreement finalized in 1977 and completed in 1999. Trump's comments come amid concerns about rising Chinese influence in the region. Panama's President José Raúl Mulino emphasized that the canal is under Panamanian sovereignty and dismissed Trump's claims about Chinese control.