Protesters in Panama burned a U.S. flag after Trump said he wanted the canal back

Protesters in Panama burned a US flag in protest against President-elect Donald Trump's words about his desire to regain control over the Panama Canal. The video of the demonstration was published on December 23 on the page of the United National Trade Union of Construction and Allied Workers in the social network Instagram (banned in Russia, owned by Meta Corporation, which is recognized as extremist in Russia).

Also on the same day, the Venezuelan government officially expressed support for Panama and its sovereignty over the Panama Canal.

"Venezuela reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Panama's sovereignty over the canal, which was won through the heroic efforts of President Omar Torrijos, who declared that "the canal is a religion that unites Panamanians," the country's Foreign Ministry commented.

On December 22, Trump announced that the US will demand the return of control over the Panama Canal if the terms of its use are not revised. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said it was impossible to return the canal to US ownership.

Panama's canal neutrality was established in 1977 when treaties were signed between U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Isthmus leader Omar Torrijos. The document guarantees safe and open passage for all ships in both peacetime and wartime.