US avoids government shutdown as Trump raises concerns over Panama Canal fees

President-elect Donald Trump has criticized Panama for high fees at the Panama Canal and suggested the U.S. may need to reassume control of the waterway. He expressed concerns about increasing Chinese influence in the region. Trump's comments come as the U.S. remains the top user of the canal, while China has grown its presence since Panama shifted diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China in 2017. He emphasized U.S. interests in the canal's operation under a previous agreement with Panama. The Panama Canal, a vital global transit route, was built by the U.S. and was under American control until 1999. The U.S. retains rights to defend the canal's neutrality, but experts note that strengthening U.S. influence in the region may require strategic efforts.