Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has firmly rejected US President-elect Donald Trump’s claims regarding the control of the Panama Canal. Mulino denied suggestions that Panama should negotiate with the US over the canal’s operations or reduce tolls for US vessels, following Trump’s remarks about China’s involvement in the canal’s management.
Mulino emphasized that the Panama Canal, which was constructed by the United States but transferred to Panama in 1999, remains under Panama’s control and is not subject to external influence. He underscored that the canal’s ownership came at a significant cost and that it belonged solely to the Panamanian people.
Trump had criticized the toll rates for US vessels and implied that China was exerting undue influence over the canal. He also stated that if Panama did not ensure secure operations of the waterway, the US would demand its return. However, Mulino dismissed these claims, stating that there was nothing to discuss on the matter.
