 "A cargo ship traverses the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon, Panama, September 2, 2024. File Image/AP")
The Panama Canal Authority has just fact-checked the US government.
On Wednesday (February 5), the State Department declared that the US government-affiliated vessels won’t have to pay transit fees while sailing through the Canal.
Within 24 hours, the claim has now been rejected by the authority that governs the canal.
“The Panama Canal Authority, which is empowered to set tolls and other fees for transiting the canal, reports that it has not made any adjustments to them,” it said in a statement.
“With total responsibility, the Panama Canal Authority, as it has indicated, is willing to establish dialogue with relevant US officials regarding the transit of wartime vessels from said country,” the authority added.
This comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that Panama had agreed to offer concessions following talks on Sunday (February 2).
Announcement made by US
Earlier on Wednesday, the State Department on X announced that the government would be saving “millions of dollars” annually after gaining significant concessions from Panama.
“US government vessels can now transit the Panama Canal without charge fees, saving the US government millions of dollars a year,” the post reads.
Rubio earlier argued that it was unfair for US to pay the transit fees even as it offered security umbrella to the crucial waterway. The canal facilitates 40 per cent of US container traffic passes.
Donald Trump’s stance
Following his inauguration on January 20, US President Donald Trump threatened to seize the Panama Canal and refused to rule out the use of force.
The Trump administration looks askance upon Chinese involvement in the canal, arguing Beijing could block USA’s access in a crisis situation.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsPanama, after initially putting up a defiant face, has taken steps to address US concerns. In talks with Rubio, Panama President Jose Raul Mulino assured that his nation won’t renew membership in the Belt and Road Initiative.
But Trump reacted to the move by saying he was still “not happy.”
The two nations are now expected to continue talks on Friday (February 7).
(With inputs from agencies)