Panama complains to UN about Trump’s threat, starts audit

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Panama has raised concerns at the United Nations regarding S. President Donald Trump’s threat to seize control of the Panama Canal. This follows Trump’s remarks in his inaugural address, where he criticized China’s growing influence over the canal.
The Panama Canal, which was under U.S. control, was handed over to Panama in 1999.

Panama’s Response:

In response to Trump’s comments, Panama’s government sent a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, referring to Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.
This article prohibits member states from using force or threatening the territorial integrity or political independence of any other state.
Panama emphasized that the S. had not “gifted” the canal, but had transferred control to Panama, asserting its sovereign right over the waterway.

About Panama Canal:

It is an 82-km long artificial waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Isthmus of Panama.
It is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world.