U.S. Seeks Control of Panama Canal, Greenland in Strategic Maritime Push

 Sedat Laçiner, Prof. Dr.

1 February 2025

In what was once dismissed as a far-fetched idea, the United States' interest in reclaiming control over the Panama Canal and acquiring Greenland has become a serious geopolitical issue. Former President Donald Trump first raised the issue, initially sparking skepticism. However, recent statements by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicate that Washington is not joking about its ambitions.

A Bold Initiative

Shortly after taking office, Trump made a direct call to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, urging her to sell Greenland to the U.S. Reports indicate that his tone was firm, even blunt. The proposal was met with disbelief, with many perceiving it as a diplomatic misstep rather than a serious policy move.

At the same time, Rubio made his first official foreign visit to Panama, where he emphasized America’s growing concerns over control of the canal. The move underscores the U.S. government’s strategic shift toward maritime dominance.

Why Greenland and Panama Matter

Greenland occupies a crucial position along key maritime shipping lanes between North America and Europe. As Arctic ice continues to melt, new trade routes are emerging, making the region increasingly valuable for global commerce. Additionally, Greenland is rich in untapped mineral resources, further fueling U.S. interest.

The Panama Canal, on the other hand, remains one of the most vital maritime arteries in global trade, reducing shipping distances between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans by thousands of kilometers. The canal was originally built by the U.S. but was handed over to Panama in 1999 as part of a treaty agreement under President Jimmy Carter. Today, Washington is concerned about China’s growing influence over the canal’s operations, with the Hong Kong-based company Hutchison Whampoa managing ports at both ends of the waterway.

The Struggle for Maritime Dominance

The United States' renewed focus on maritime control mirrors historical patterns of global power struggles. The British Empire once ruled the seas, securing its dominance in the 18th and 19th centuries. Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and France similarly built their empires through naval supremacy. Now, the U.S. is seeking to maintain its own global influence by securing vital trade routes.

The China Factor

Washington views China’s maritime expansion as a direct challenge to its supremacy. Beijing has been investing heavily in trade routes, infrastructure, and military outposts in strategic locations. In response, the U.S. has intensified efforts to encircle China by strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

China has also explored new trade corridors through the Arctic, partnering with Russia to develop alternative routes via the Bering Strait. This potential shift in global trade routes has alarmed Washington, which sees Greenland as a crucial piece of the puzzle in maintaining control over Arctic shipping lanes.

A Brewing Confrontation in Panama?

The U.S. has openly expressed concerns that China could block the Panama Canal in a future conflict, crippling global trade and dealing a severe blow to American economic security. While there is no official evidence that Beijing has such a plan, Washington is preparing for worst-case scenarios.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has rejected claims that China has undue influence over the canal and has firmly stated that the issue is not up for discussion. However, history suggests that U.S. intervention in Panama is not unprecedented. In 1989, Washington launched a military operation to overthrow then-leader Manuel Noriega, demonstrating its willingness to use force when necessary.

What Comes Next?

The coming months will be critical in determining whether the U.S. escalates its efforts to secure Panama and Greenland. Diplomatic pressure is already mounting, and Rubio’s visit to Panama signals that Washington is taking the issue seriously. Whether this will result in negotiations, economic pressure, or even direct intervention remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the United States is determined to assert its control over the world’s most vital maritime routes.

Prof. Dr. Sedat Laçiner
Current Articles, 1 February 2025