This podcast investigates President Trump's claims that China is controlling the Panama Canal and that the US is being unfairly charged for its use. The discussion unfolds in four parts: examining the canal's economic importance to the US, exploring the historical context of US involvement and the transfer of control to Panama, analyzing China's growing influence in Latin America, and assessing the feasibility of renegotiating the canal's operation. Experts highlight that while China holds leases on ports near the canal, it doesn't control the canal itself. The podcast concludes by suggesting that lowering tolls (equally for all users) and addressing concerns about Chinese port contracts might appease President Trump, though Panama's complete relinquishing of control is deemed highly unlikely.
