While keeping a watchful eye on Greenland in the north, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump also harbors ambitions for the U.S. to reclaim the ownership of the Panama Canal in the south. He accused Panama of treating the U.S. "in a very unfair and injudicious way," adding that "this complete 'rip-off' of our country will immediately stop." 

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said, "Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belongs to Panama and will continue belonging to Panama." Mulino also defended the toll-setting process of the Panama Canal as public, open and not subject to the whims of any individual, rejecting the idea of reducing tolls for U.S. ships.

On January 7, Trump refused to rule out using military or economic action to pursue the acquisition of the Panama Canal and Greenland, part of a broader expansionist agenda he has promoted since winning the election on November 5, 2024. CGTN Stringer talks to the residents in Panama to see what they think about the matter. Luis Gomez, a photographer, said Trump's statements "do not make sense and seem a bit illogical." He said communication, negotiation and clarification are the best way to resolve the issue peacefully.