US Demands Free Passage for American Ships Through Panama Canal, Sparking Diplomatic Row
In a surprise move, the US government has announced that American ships will receive free passage through the Panama Canal, sparking a diplomatic dispute with Panama. The US State Department stated that all fees will be waived for American vessels, while the Panama Canal Authority issued a conflicting statement. This development has significant implications for global trade and shipping, with potential impacts on international commerce and economic growth. The Panama Canal is a critical waterway for international trade, with many shipping companies relying on it for cargo transport. As tensions rise, the fate of US-Panama relations and the future of the canal's operations hang in the balance, with key terms like 'free trade' and 'maritime commerce' coming under scrutiny.