In brief
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has refuted US president-elect Donald Trump's recent assertions about the Panama Canal, calling his claims "nonsense." Amidst escalating tensions, Trump suggested that Chinese soldiers occupy the canal, inciting protests near the US embassy in Panama City. Mulino firmly stated that there are no Chinese soldiers in control and emphasized that the canal, vital for international shipping, will not be subject to negotiations regarding tolls or ownership.
President Mulino rejected Trump's claims outright, stressing, "There is not a single Chinese soldier in the canal," and reinforced that the canal belongs exclusively to Panama. Trump’s comments came after he threatened to reclaim control of the canal, alleging Panama is "ripping us off" with high shipping fees. He named a Republican officials as his ambassador nominee to Panama.The canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has seen heightened tolls due to a historic drought, complicating shipping costs amid Trump's demands. The geopolitical dynamics around the canal are further complicated by Panama’s established ties with China, which has become a significant economic partner since switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan in 2017.
