PM Briceño Says Trump’s Claim on Panama Canal is “Good Politics”

In response to President Donald Trump’s repeated claims about China controlling the Panama Canal, Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has firmly rejected the notion, expressing strong support for Panama’s sovereignty. Briceno asserted, “Panama is a sovereign country, and the canal belongs to Panama.” He said that his government stands “one hundred percent” behind Panama.

Trump had suggested that China “operates” the canal, citing Chinese investments and infrastructure projects in the region. However, Briceño dismissed the idea of the United States taking military action to claim control, saying, “I don’t see that happening.”

Briceño characterised Trump’s statements as more about political posturing, stating, “It is good politics, good to say, but I don’t think he will go through with that.”

Panama, which has controlled the canal since 1999, operates the waterway through its Panama Canal Authority. While Chinese companies have invested heavily in the region, including managing key ports, the claim that China directly controls the canal remains unfounded. Briceño made it clear that “Our support is one hundred percent with Panama. Panama is a sovereign country, and the canal belongs to Panama.”