In brief
In a recent response to Donald Trump's controversial claims regarding the Panama Canal being under Chinese military control, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino firmly denied the allegations, asserting that the canal is entirely controlled by Panama. The comments come amid tensions regarding shipping tolls, which Trump describes as unfair, prompting questions on US control over the canal.
In a statement that rippled through international relations, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino categorically dismissed Donald Trump's recent assertions regarding the Panama Canal, declaring them "nonsense." Following Trump's comments suggesting a potential reassertion of US control over the canal, protests erupted near the US embassy in Panama City. The president-elect had claimed through a post on his Truth Social account that there were Chinese soldiers stationed at the Panama Canal, stating, "Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal." Mulino rebuffed these claims, asserting, “There is not a single Chinese soldier in the canal” and emphasized that there was no Chinese interference in the operation of the waterway, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.Mulino made it clear that Panama will not renegotiate control of the canal, stating firmly, “The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians." Any conversation about negotiating toll reductions for US ships was similarly ruled out, reinforcing that the canal remains a sovereign asset of Panama.Relations between Panama and China have been stable since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 2017 after severing ties with Taiwan. Mulino noted that these relations were "respectful" and focused on mutual interests between the nations. This comes shortly after Trump announced his intention to appoint Kevin Marino Cabrera, a Republican from Miami-Dade County with ties to Trump’s 2020 campaign, as ambassador to Panama. Trump has repeatedly criticized the tolls charged for using the canal, labeling them excessive and unfair, which he argues could lead the US to demand the canal’s return if not addressed. The Panama Canal, a vital shipping channel utilized by thousands of vessels annually, has seen rising transit costs, driven in part by environmental factors such as a historic drought. While the canal underwent a shift from US control to Panamanian sovereignty in 1999, discussions surrounding its management continue to evoke strong sentiments and political debates, especially in the backdrop of growing US-China competition.
