Panama Asserts Sovereignty Over Canal Amid U.S. Threats

Panama's President, Jose Raul Mulino, has officially filed a complaint with the United Nations in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that the Panama Canal was a gift from the United States. Mulino emphasized Panama's sovereignty and its ownership of the canal, reinforcing that it does not belong to the U.S. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mulino rejected any form of foreign interference and reiterated his country's commitment to neutrality. In addition to the complaint, Panama is auditing port operators linked to Hong Kong, amid rising tensions surrounding the canal. The situation has garnered international support, with both Russia and China backing Panama's stance and advocating for adherence to international law. Meanwhile, Greenland's Prime Minister, Múte Egede, has also spoken out against U.S. acquisition threats, calling for self-determination in the context of escalating tensions in the Arctic.

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino has formally challenged U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that the Panama Canal was a gift from the United States. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mulino emphasized that the canal is Panamanian property, underlining the country's sovereignty and its commitment to neutrality free from foreign interference. The Panamanian government has submitted a complaint to the United Nations concerning Trump's remarks about potential seizure, while also conducting audits of port operators linked to Hong Kong. In a show of international support, both Russia and China have backed Panama's position, calling for adherence to international law. In a related matter, Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede has rejected any U.S. acquisition plans, advocating for self-determination in the face of Arctic tensions.

Rudiger Koch, a 59-year-old German aerospace engineer, has set a new world record for the longest time spent living underwater without depressurisation, spending a remarkable 120 days in a submerged capsule off the coast of Panama. Koch emerged from his 30-square-meter home located 11 meters underwater on January 25, 2025, celebrated by Guinness World Records adjudicator Susana Reyes. Koch's achievement surpassed the previous record of 100 days set by American Joseph Dituri, who lived in an underwater lodge in Florida. After his record-breaking stay, Koch expressed a mix of excitement and regret, stating, "It was a great adventure and now it’s over there’s almost a sense of regret actually." He enjoyed the unique beauty of the underwater environment, describing the calming dark waters and glowing sea. During his time underwater, Koch's capsule was equipped with basic modern amenities, including a bed, toilet, TV, and internet access, with plenty of food delivered by visitors. He was also monitored 24/7 by cameras to ensure he remained below the surface for the entire duration of the record attempt. Koch hopes that his record will encourage people to consider the seas as a viable environment for human expansion and habitation. He celebrated his achievement with champagne and a cigar before being taken back to shore, where a party awaited him.