The President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, strongly repudiated the threats made by the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, to take back control of the interoceanic canal. Mulino emphasized that the canal is not controlled directly or indirectly by China, the European Community, the United States, or any other power.
In response to Trump’s claims about the influence of China in the canal and the alleged ridiculous fees charged by Panama, Mulino reiterated Panama’s sovereignty over the canal and its adjacent zones. He emphasized that any attempt to undermine Panama’s control over the canal is non-negotiable.
Despite Trump’s swift response on social media, Mulino expressed hope for a good and respectful relationship with the future US government, focusing on issues like illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The history of the Panama Canal, completed by the US in 1914 and returned to Panama in 1999, was highlighted to emphasize Panama’s rightful ownership and control.
Former Panamanian President Martín Torrijos also condemned any attempts to challenge Panama’s administration of the canal, labeling it as an offense. The ongoing tensions between Panama and the US regarding the canal’s control and commercial passage demonstrate the complexities of international relations and sovereignty.