The Panama Canal in the era of Donald Trump

The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most important logistical routes, splitting the Western Hemisphere and speeding global trade. But it has a painful history. CGTN’s Alasdair Baverstock reports.

Since Donald Trump's return to the White House, the Panama Canal has come under renewed scrutiny after the US President suggested "taking back" control of the strategic waterway. Nearly 40 percent of all US bound shipping containers transit this waterway, moving billions of dollars of global commerce every year. CGTN's Alasdair Baverstock has more. 

China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, has rejected US accusations over China's role in the Panama Canal. At a Security Council meeting, Fu said China has always respected Panama's sovereignty over the canal and its neutrality as an international waterway. The US under President Trump, on the other hand, has repeatedly threatened to re-take control of the canal, sparking confusion and shock in Panama. Alasdair Baverstock reports.