U.S. Worries Mount Over China’s Strategic Moves Near Panama Canal

U.S. Worries Mount Over China's Strategic Moves Near Panama Canal

Former Trump adviser Robert O’Brien drops a bombshell: The U.S. might have to reclaim the Panama Canal to protect it from Chinese influence.

At a Glance

  • Trump’s interest in reclaiming the Panama Canal stems from concerns over Chinese influence
  • Chinese companies now control ports at both ends of the canal, raising national security concerns
  • 75% of canal traffic is linked to U.S. ports, making it crucial for American commerce
  • O’Brien suggests Chinese profits from the canal could be funding their military expansion
  • The U.S. may intervene if Panama doesn’t address these concerns

The Panama Canal: From American Achievement to Chinese Influence

Well, folks, it looks like we’re in for another round of “Who’s Running America’s Vital Interests?” And this time, it’s not just about who’s crossing our southern border – it’s about who’s controlling one of the most important trade routes in the Western Hemisphere. That’s right, we’re talking about the Panama Canal, and let me tell you, the situation is more twisted than a pretzel at a Biden family barbecue.

Robert O’Brien, former National Security Adviser to President Trump, just dropped a truth bomb that’s got everyone from Washington to Beijing sitting up straight. It turns out that our old friend Donald Trump, in his infinite wisdom, has been eyeing the Panama Canal situation with the kind of scrutiny usually reserved for a well-done steak. And why? Because apparently, we’ve got a little problem with Chinese influence creeping in where it doesn’t belong.

From American Ingenuity to Chinese Takeover

Now, let’s take a stroll down memory lane, shall we? The Panama Canal, that marvel of engineering that makes the Suez look like a kiddie pool, was built by American blood, sweat, and ingenuity. We operated it for years, making sure goods flowed freely between the Atlantic and Pacific. But then, in a move that can only be described as peak Carter-era foolishness, we handed it over to Panama on a silver platter.

“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

But here’s where it gets interesting, folks. The Panamanians, in their infinite wisdom, decided to play host to the dragon. That’s right, they’ve allowed Chinese companies to set up shop at both ends of the canal. It’s like inviting the fox to guard the henhouse, except this fox has nuclear weapons and a penchant for intellectual property theft.

The Dragon’s Grip Tightens

O’Brien didn’t mince words when he laid out the consequences of this boneheaded move. We’re talking potential espionage, economic manipulation, and the kind of influence that makes a mobster’s protection racket look like a Girl Scout cookie sale. And get this – even the New York Times, which usually treats China with kid gloves softer than Biden’s foreign policy, is raising red flags.

“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

But it gets worse, my friends. O’Brien pointed out that 75% of the canal’s traffic is linked to U.S. ports. That’s right, three-quarters of the ships passing through are carrying goods to and from America. With Chinese fingers in the pie, we’re looking at potential price hikes that could make your grocery bill look like chump change.

The Trump Card: Reclaiming American Interests

Now, here’s where Trump’s genius comes in. He’s not just sitting back and watching this slow-motion train wreck. No sir, he’s considering taking back control of the canal. It’s the kind of bold move that makes the establishment choke on their caviar. But let’s face it, when you’ve got a foreign adversary controlling a vital trade route, sometimes you’ve got to channel your inner Teddy Roosevelt and speak softly while carrying a big stick.

O’Brien made it clear: the U.S. is open to Panama managing the canal, but only if they get their act together and show the Chinese the door. Otherwise, we might just have to dust off those old canal management manuals and remind the world why American oversight used to mean something.

In the grand scheme of things, folks, this isn’t just about a waterway. It’s about standing up for American interests, protecting our economy, and sending a clear message to China that their influence-peddling days are numbered. It’s time to make the Panama Canal great again – and this time, let’s keep it that way.

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