"Panama is a Chinese colony." Trump... "Are you serious to check China?"

[Anchor]
Trump's bombshell to expand U.S. territory to the Panama Canal and Greenland is drawing strong opposition from the country.

Nevertheless, Trump is still willing to get the canal back, spreading the claim that Panama is actually a Chinese colony.

This is Washington correspondent Kwon Jun-ki.

[Reporter]
Trump's bombshell about taking back ownership of the Panama Canal came in a speech at an event for a youth conservative group.

If we continue to rip off tolls, we will get back the operational rights that the U.S. handed over 25 years ago.

[Donald Trump / U.S. President-elect] The United States is doing something stupid. We need to prevent them from being ripped off right away.]

Panama's president confronted Trump for revealing his ignorance of history and saying he couldn't give up a single square meter,

Mexico, which has its head wrapped up in Trump's declaration of tariff war, has also sided with Panama.

[Claudia Sheinbaum / Mexican President] The Panama Canal belongs to the Panamanians. Our solidarity and support to the President of Panama and the people.]

Trump has repeatedly provoked Panama by posting a picture of "Welcome to the U.S. Canal"

He shared a post saying he was 100% right, reaffirming that he meant the 'return of the canal'.

"Panama has effectively become a Chinese colony," Trump said in a post shared, arguing that urgent action is needed as the Panama Canal is essential for the U.S. economy and security.

Trump also pointed out that the return of the canal is a must-do task, saying that he is the one to complete the work regardless of disturbance.

Earlier, Trump also caused a stir in Europe by posting his claim on social media that he would buy Greenland for U.S. security.

Major U.S. media pointed out that it is not a lie, saying it is a paving stone to secure resources in the Arctic Circle as well as to check China and Russia.

In response, the Danish government said it would increase defense spending by more than 2 trillion won, saying it would strengthen military facilities in Greenland, its self-governing territory.

This is YTN Kwon Jun-ki from Washington.