Since winning power in November, Donald Trump has not ruled out the use of military force to acquire the Panama Canal and Greenland.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to acquire these two strategic locations, a waterway and an island.
Greenland
Greenland has approximately 57, 000 people there. It is a self governing territory but belongs to the kingdom of Denmark. It has a strategic location for trade and defense, and a bounty of natural resources.
It is an autonomous territory in Denmark. And an island that is under the control of the Danish Government. A long time US ally and a NATO founding member.
During his first time in office, Trump expressed his interest in buying Greenland. But the government of Denmark and Greenland have not bothered to rebuff Trump’s offers.
Trumps said “Greenland is an incredible place and the people will benefit tremendously if and when the people become part of our Nation. We will protect it and cherish it. From a very vicious outside world”. Make Greenland Great Again”
On Tuesday, 7th January, the president reiterated his position and refused to rule out any military intervention. Trump said, getting Greenland is for National security purposes. Trump said even if Denmark had legal oversight of Greenland, they should give it up because America needs it for the free world. Meanwhile, officials in Denmark have made it clear several times that Greenland is not for sale.
Panama Canal
The Canal was built by America. Jimmy Carter’s administration handed over the waterway to Panama in 1979. It connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean. It saves time and cost for transporting goods by acting as a shortcut route.
Sky News reports that Mr. Trump believes the U.S is not treated fairly when it vessels use the Canal. The U.S president elect accused Panama of overcharging U.S vessels when they use the Canal. He also says China is taking over the waterway due to the presence of Hong Kong based contractors that operate the Canal
Trump said on Tuesday “We gave the Panama Canal to Panama. We didn’t give it to China, “They’ve abused that gift.”
Meanwhile, the president of Panama Jose Raul Mulino has denied any Chinese control of the Canal and dismissed any such intention of Trump taking the waterway.
He said “Every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to be so,”
