By Jasper Ward
(Reuters) -Newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump has picked Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to serve as ambassador to Panama after threatening that the U.S. would cede control of the Panama Canal it handed over 25 years ago would confirm again.
Trump described Cabrera as “a fierce fighter for America First principles,” who he said has played an important role in boosting economic growth and promoting international partnerships.
“Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin. He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our nation’s interests in Panama!” Trump wrote this in a message on Truth Social on Wednesday.
On Sunday, Trump threatened to reassert U.S. control of the Panama Canal, which it managed for decades before handing it over to Panama in 1999.
Trump said the Central American country, with whom the US has had diplomatic relations since 1903, was “dropping us off at the Panama Canal, far beyond their wildest dreams.”
He accused Chinese soldiers of operating the canal illegally and “always ensuring that the United States brings in billions of dollars in ‘repair money’ but has absolutely no say in ‘anything’.”
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has said China had no influence over the canal’s governance, adding on Thursday that there were no Chinese soldiers at the canal.
“There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal for the love of God. The world is free to visit the canal,” he said in a speech on Thursday.
China does not control or manage the canal, but a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has long managed two ports at the entrances to the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans.
