Political tensions between the United States 🇺🇸 and Panama 🇵🇦 have escalated after US President-elect Donald Trump 🗣️ made a statement at a rally suggesting that the US should regain control of the Panama Canal 🌊. Panama's President Manuel Noriega responded firmly, saying: "Every square meter of the canal and its surroundings belongs to us" ✊🇵🇦.
What happened at the conference?
In a speech broadcast to a large audience 🎤👥, Trump pointed out that the channel represents a matter of fairness and national dignity ⚖️. He said:
> "It was given to Panama and to the people of Panama, but it has provisions. You have to treat us fairly, and they haven't treated us fairly." 🤝❌
When someone in the audience shouted, “Take it back,” Trump replied:
> "That's a good idea" 💡.
Trump also described the tariffs imposed on ships passing through the canal as "ridiculous and unfair" 💵⚓. He stressed that this "scam" on the United States 🇺🇸 must stop immediately ⏳.
Political and economic background
The Panama Canal, a vital artery for global trade 🌐🚢, accounts for 2.5% of maritime trade 🌍📊. Since its handover to Panama in 1999 📜, the country has imposed varying fees on ships transiting it, angering Trump 🔥.
Trump considered these fees "unfair" compared to the "extraordinary generosity" shown by the United States when handing over the canal 🤲🇺🇸.
Impact of the dispute on cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin
This dispute may have indirect repercussions on the global economy 🌎💹, including cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin 🪙, for the following reasons:
1. Increased demand for financial hedging: Political tensions are making investors turn to alternative assets such as Bitcoin, to protect their money 💸🔒.
2. Boosting digital trade: In the event of an escalation of the crisis or the imposition of new restrictions, companies may use cryptocurrencies to avoid fees and penalties 🚫💻.
3. Decentralization as an alternative: Cryptocurrencies offer a decentralized model that does not depend on a single state, making them a suitable option to avoid political crises 🕊️🌐.
The future of the global economy
If the conflict continues, global trade patterns 📈 could change, with companies turning to innovative solutions based on fintech 🤖💡. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies could become key tools for international trade 📲💳.
Ultimately, this conflict demonstrates the importance of adopting flexible financial systems that are able to confront political and economic crises ⚠️📉, with cryptocurrencies emerging as modern and effective solutions 🌟🔗.
