Trump Adviser Warns of Chinese Influence in Panama Canal Management and U.S. Trade Implications

Trump Adviser Warns of Chinese Influence in Panama Canal Management and U.S. Trade Implications

(PatriotNews.net) – Former Trump adviser Robert O’Brien warns of China’s growing influence over the Panama Canal, raising alarms of potential U.S. action to reclaim control.

At a Glance

  • Trump adviser Robert O’Brien discussed reclaiming the Panama Canal due to Chinese control.
  • China’s dominance in Panama’s ports poses threats of espionage and economic manipulation.
  • Increased shipping costs for U.S. commerce with 75% of traffic linked to U.S. ports.
  • O’Brien suggests necessary changes to prevent U.S. intervention in canal management.

Chinese Influence and U.S. Concerns

Robert O’Brien, former Trump National Security Adviser, recently highlighted concerns regarding Chinese influence over the Panama Canal—a critical artery for global trade. O’Brien noted that during President-elect Donald Trump’s tenure, the idea of reclaiming control from Panama arose due to escalating Chinese control over the ports. Such influence within the canal’s operations poses potential risks, ranging from espionage to economic manipulation. O’Brien’s concerns were emphasized during a Fox News interview, marking an important acknowledgment of Trump’s stance on the issue.

O’Brien criticized Panama for ceding control of the ports at both ends of the canal to Chinese companies. This decision has raised the specter of potential Chinese espionage, highlighting the gravity of the situation. O’Brien further pointed out that the New York Times, typically pro-China, admitted the possibility of the Chinese shutting down the canal by leveraging companies from Hong Kong.

Impact on American Trade

The consequences for U.S. trade are substantial, with 75% of the canal’s traffic linked to American ports. O’Brien stated that shipping costs could skyrocket, leading to higher prices for consumers and businesses in the United States. He argued that the canal generates profits used by China to bolster its military capabilities, posing a further threat to U.S. national security and economic interests.

“The Panama Canal is one of the engineering achievements of the last millennia, and we built it, we paid for it, and we operated it for many years, and then in a tremendous act of generosity, it was probably foolish, Jimmy Carter gave the canal back to the Panamanians. But it wasn’t just a free gift, there are conditions that the canal remain neutral.” – Robert O’Brien

While acknowledging Panama’s right to manage the canal, O’Brien stressed that significant changes are necessary to deter any potential U.S. intervention. If the present conditions persist, the U.S. might reconsider its stance to safeguard its economic and strategic interests. The need to keep the canal’s administration neutral and free from foreign dominance is more pressing than ever.

Potential for American Intervention

As tensions rise, the possibility of U.S. intervention cannot be discounted. O’Brien indicates that the United States might have to step in to reclaim control to ensure the canal remains a neutral and integral part of the global trade network. With Robert O’Brien’s revelations hitting the airwaves, the need for a strategic decision becomes urgent, lest the U.S. watch its influence over critical trade routes slip unchallenged into foreign hands.

“The Panamanians … gave the ports on both ends of the canal to the Chinese. And even the New York Times is saying — which has been an apologist for China for years — is saying that the Chinese are committing espionage, or they could shut down the canal without military efforts just using these Hong Kong companies that control the canal.” – Robert O’Brien

The geopolitical chessboard necessitates decisive actions to maintain U.S. supremacy in the Western Hemisphere amidst mounting Chinese dominance. The discussions initiated by O’Brien underline the crucial role the Trump administration may play in redefining Panama Canal’s administrative future.

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