Trump says China controls the Panama Canal — but here’s how it really works

Experts dispute President Donald Trump’s claims that the Panama Canal is controlled by China and overcharging U.S. ships.

A quarter-century after the U.S. handed control of the Panama Canal to Panama, President Donald Trump wants to take it back. 

Early this month, Trump suggested he would consider using military force to regain control of the canal from Panama, one of the U.S.'s closest allies in Latin America, describing it as “vital” for national security.

But his gripe is more with U.S. rival China, which he says is “operating” a critical waterway that serves as a transit point for almost 5% of the world's maritime trade.

“We didn’t give it to China,” Trump said Monday during his inaugural address. “We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.”

Panama strongly rebuked Trump’s comments, with President José Raúl Mulino saying the canal “is and will continue to be Panama’s.” 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/trump-panama-canal-china-rubio-rcna188491

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