U.S. President-elect Donald Trump officially announced the nomination of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as the ambassador to Panama on Wednesday. Trump highlighted Cabrera’s commitment to upholding “America First” principles and commended his efforts in driving economic growth and fostering international partnerships. Trump expressed confidence in Cabrera’s understanding of Latin American politics, emphasizing his belief that Cabrera will excel in representing the interests of the United States in Panama.
The decision to nominate Cabrera as ambassador comes in the wake of Trump’s recent statements regarding U.S. control over the Panama Canal. Trump suggested a potential reassertion of U.S. influence over the strategic waterway, which the United States administered for several decades before ceding control to Panama in 1999. Trump accused Panama of taking advantage of the situation, alleging that the country has been benefiting disproportionately from the canal’s operations.
In a social media post on Truth Social, Trump criticized what he perceived as Chinese involvement in the management of the Panama Canal. He claimed that Chinese soldiers were unlawfully engaged in overseeing the canal’s activities and insinuated that the United States was footing a significant bill for maintenance without having a meaningful say in the canal’s operations. These allegations raised concerns about potential foreign influence over the vital maritime route.
Contrary to Trump’s assertions, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino refuted the claims of Chinese interference in the administration of the canal. Mulino clarified that China does not control or oversee the canal and dismissed the notion that Chinese soldiers were involved in its management. He emphasized that Panama retains sovereignty over the waterway and reiterated the country’s commitment to maintaining the canal’s autonomy.
While China does not have direct authority over the Panama Canal, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings, a Hong Kong-based company, has been responsible for managing key ports situated at the canal’s entrances on the Caribbean and Pacific sides. This arrangement has fueled discussions about the implications of foreign entities playing a role in critical infrastructure projects, raising questions about potential geopolitical implications and economic interests at stake.
Overall, Trump’s nomination of Kevin Marino Cabrera as the ambassador to Panama and his comments regarding the Panama Canal underscore the complexities of international relations and strategic considerations in the Western Hemisphere. The evolving dynamics surrounding the canal’s management and the involvement of foreign entities in its operations highlight the need for diplomatic engagement and nuanced approaches to addressing geopolitical challenges in the region.
