Trump "Does Not Rule Out Use of Force on Panama Canal, Greenland Issues"

When asked about excluding economic and military coercion, "Can't confirm"

Mentions increasing NATO defense spending and renaming the Gulf of Mexico

Image=AFP

Image=AFP

President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to be inaugurated on the 20th, stated that he does not rule out the possibility of using military force regarding the Panama Canal and Greenland issues. He also mentioned the increase in defense spending by NATO member countries and the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico.

On the 7th (local time), President-elect Trump, during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, responded "I can't confirm" to a question about whether he would exclude economic or military coercion to secure control over the Panama Canal and Greenland.

President-elect Trump claimed that Panama is imposing excessive canal tolls on the U.S. and stated, "We are currently negotiating with the Panamanian government." He revealed that "Panama has requested $3 billion (about 4.3 trillion won) from the U.S. for canal maintenance," and he responded, "Get that money from China." He also claimed that "China is operating the Panama Canal."

President-elect Trump mentioned that if Greenland residents vote for independence and incorporation into the U.S., and Denmark obstructs this, he would impose high tariffs on Denmark. However, Panama has previously stated that it will not give up the canal, and Denmark has made it clear that it has no plans to relinquish control over Greenland, indicating potential future conflicts.

President-elect Trump further argued that NATO member countries should spend 5% of their GDP on defense. This demand far exceeds the current 2% guideline. However, Bloomberg pointed out, "The U.S. has not spent 5% of its GDP on defense since the 1980s." Additionally, President-elect Trump promised to rename the Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America,' calling it "a beautiful and appropriate name."

Bloomberg analyzed, "All statements were made within an hour," and "If President-elect Trump's foreign policy was at a 'provocative' level during his first term, he is raising the bar even before the start of his second term." It further stated, "He did not explain how these promises would be realized, except for imposing tariffs," but "This press conference made it clear that Trump plans to elevate his foreign policy to unprecedented levels during his second term."

Cory Schake, head of defense and foreign policy at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), evaluated, "It's hard to tell if President-elect Trump is simply saying things to attract attention or if he believes these are actually feasible policies," but added, "He seems to genuinely believe in what he says."

Reporter Im Da-yeon allopen@hankyung.com