After US President-elect Donald Trump threatened to reimpose American control over the Panama Canal, Latin American leaders united in defense of Panama’s sovereignty. Trump cited excessive fees and concerns over Chinese influence. In response, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino affirmed that the canal’s tariffs are fair and that Panama’s ownership is non-negotiable. The canal, an essential global shipping route, has been administered by Panama since 1999, following a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter with Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos.