In brief
In a response to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's assertions about potential claims over the Panama Canal and the presence of Chinese soldiers, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino stated that such claims are unfounded. He reiterated Panama's ownership and refused negotiations over the canal's tolls or control.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has strongly denied recent statements made by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump regarding the Panama Canal, labeling them as "nonsense" and asserting that there is no Chinese military presence in the area. Following Trump's suggestion that the U.S. might consider reclaiming control of the canal, Mulino firmly refuted these claims during a press conference, stating, “There is not a single Chinese soldier in the canal.”Trump's comments, which were shared on his social media platform, implied not only an unfairness in shipping rates charged by Panama but also cast doubt on the security of the canal, raising concerns over its potential “falling into the wrong hands,” specifically pointing to China. Mulino categorically stated that the canal is “Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians,” emphasizing that negotiations over its control or toll pricing are off the table.The Panama Canal, a crucial shipping channel that links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, has been a significant point of contention since its transfer of control from the U.S. to Panama in 1999. Mulino defended Panama’s diplomatic relationship with China, which has been growing since Panama established ties with Beijing in 2017, following a severance with Taiwan.Trump's position has drawn a wave of public protests, including one outside the U.S. embassy in Panama City. The president-elect's remarks come amid a broader commentary on his recent political appointments, including his nomination of Florida lawmaker Kevin Marino Cabrera as ambassador to Panama.While Trump asserted that charges imposed by Panama were excessive, Mulino noted that the increase in canal tolls can also be attributed to external factors such as a historic drought affecting water levels. With up to 14,000 ships traversing the canal annually, these dynamics reflect the interwoven complexities of global trade, national interests, and international governance. The Panama Canal is not for sale, and it remains a symbol of national pride for Panama, reflecting its autonomy and economic independence in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
