Panama: Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has dismissed recent accusations by US president-elect Donald Trump, who claimed that Chinese soldiers are stationed at the Panama Canal. Trump’s comments, made via his Truth Social account, indicated that China is “illegally” operating the canal, a claim Mulino called “nonsense” and unequivocally denied.
In response to Trump’s claims, Mulino stated that, “There is not a single Chinese soldier in the canal,” emphasising that there is “absolutely no Chinese interference.” Mulino also rejected Trump’s demand for lower tolls for US ships, strengthening that the canal is entirely under Panamanian control and that there would be no discussions on its sovereignty.
The ongoing controversy arises from Trump’s criticism of Panama’s tolls, which he deems excessively high, accusing the country of “ripping off” the US. In his Christmas Day post, Trump reaffirmed his stance, calling the fees “ridiculous” and “unfair,” and warned that if the rates are not reduced, he would instruct the return of the canal to US control.
Mulino responded firmly, restating that the canal belongs to Panama, and relations between Panama and China remain “respectful and well-managed,” especially following Panama’s decision to designate diplomatic ties with Beijing in 2017.
Trump’s claims have stirred concern due to China’s significant presence in Panama, where it is the second-largest user of the canal and holds substantial investments. However, Mulino claimed that Panama’s relationship with China is in the country’s best interest, and the canal remains firmly under national control.
In another development, Trump declared his intention to nominate Florida lawmaker Kevin Marino Cabrera as US Ambassador to Panama. Cabrera, a Republican commissioner in Miami-Dade County, has close relations to Trump’s 2020 campaign and will represent the US as ambassador should the nomination proceed.
The Panama Canal, a vital trade route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has seen rising transit costs, in part due to a historic drought. As of now, the controversy over its control remains unresolved, but Panama’s leadership remains responsible for its defence of the canal’s sovereignty.
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