Contrary to Trump’s assertions, Jose Raul Mulino of Panama asserts that China has neither direct nor indirect influence over the Panama Canal.
Recent threats by US President-elect Donald Trump to assume control of the Panama Canal over grievances of “unfair” treatment of American ships have been rejected by Panama’s president, Jose Raul Mulino.
In a video uploaded to X on Sunday, Mulino declared, “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama.”
The president-elect voiced his displeasure with the canal on his Truth Social platform the day before Mulino made his public remarks, though he never specifically mentioned Trump.
In his video message, he denied Trump’s allegations while expressing his desire for “a good and respectful relationship” with the next administration.
“The canal has no direct or indirect control from China, nor the European Union, nor the United States or any other power,” Mulino stated. “As a Panamanian, I reject any manifestation that misrepresents this reality.”
In response to Mulino’s termination, Trump wrote on Truth Social later on Sunday: “We’ll see about that!”
“Unfair and absurd.”
Trump threatened to reclaim the canal on Saturday after complaining about what he described as “unfair” treatment and “ridiculous” tariffs on US ships passing through it.
“Our Navy and Commerce have received extremely unjust and careless treatment. “The fees that Panama is charging are absurd,” Trump declared.
As US companies rely on the canal to transport goods between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Trump also bemoaned China’s increasing influence in the area, which is concerning for American interests.
“It was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else,” Trump stated. “We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!”
A 1977 agreement struck by Democratic President Jimmy Carter gave the Central American nation back the Panama Canal, which the United States had finished building in 1914.
In 1999, Panama gained complete authority.
Trump declared that “we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full and without question” if Panama was unable to guarantee “the secure, efficient and reliable operation” of the channel.
