Special Poll
Panama’s president, José Raúl Mulino, has strongly dismissed a recent claim by President-elect Donald Trump that China is interfering with the Panama Canal, calling the accusation “nonsense.”
Mulino addressed the claim during a news conference, stating that there is absolutely no Chinese involvement at the canal. Trump had posted on Truth Social earlier, suggesting that Chinese soldiers were operating the canal illegally, which Mulino quickly refuted, emphasizing that no foreign military, including Chinese, is present at the canal. He further clarified that Panama welcomes foreign investment, regardless of nationality, but there is no discrimination against American or any other investors.
The president also dismissed any notion of reducing tolls for U.S. ships or giving up control of the canal, asserting that the Panama Canal remains fully under Panamanian ownership, a status established in 1999 after the U.S. transferred control following decades of administration.
Trump’s comments about the canal had stirred controversy, with him calling the canal fees “unfair” and threatening to demand the canal’s return to the U.S. if Panama did not lower them. The canal, a vital global trade route, connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and sees about 14,000 ships pass through each year. While it was under U.S. control until the late 20th century, Panama has since managed the canal autonomously.
Trump’s rhetoric around the canal also included concerns about Chinese influence, citing China’s growing role in investing in Panama, including involvement in the construction of a bridge over the canal. However, Panamanian officials maintain that relations with China are respectful and beneficial to both countries. They stress that the Panama Canal Authority, an independent government agency, is responsible for the canal’s management, not Chinese entities.
Mulino also reaffirmed that the canal’s fees were set based on operational costs and market dynamics, not arbitrary decisions, and reiterated Panama’s sovereignty over the canal. As for Trump’s broader “America First” policy approach, it remains unclear whether he will push further on the canal issue once in office, but the rhetoric has already caused a stir in international relations, particularly with China.
Despite the controversy, Mulino emphasized unity and pride in Panama’s control over its most important asset, stating, “When it comes to our canal, and our sovereignty, we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.”