Has the Possibility of US Intervention Sounded the Alarm for the Panama Canal? Newly sworn-in President Donald Trump said that the purpose of the Panama Agreement and the spirit of our treaty have been completely violated. US ships, including those of the US Navy, are being charged exorbitant fees, which is not fair in any way. The US also says that the canal was given as a gift, and the result is foolish. Trump claimed in his inaugural address that "Panama has broken its promise to be neutral, and China is running the Panama Canal." He asked Panama to either reduce the fees of the Panama Canal or return its control to America. America's China concern regarding Panama Canal The reason why Chinese influence over the Panama Canal has become a topic of US strategic discussion is because Chinese companies such as Landbridge Group and Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings operate ports on both ends of the canal . Their presence and strategic maneuvering are a ma...