Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino firmly dismissed comments by US President-elect Donald Trump regarding the potential reclamation of control over the Panama Canal by the United States. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Mulino declared, “There’s nothing to talk about,” reaffirming Panama’s sovereignty over the canal.
“The Canal Belongs to Panamanians”
President Mulino rejected any suggestion of renegotiating canal control or lowering tolls for US ships. He also dismissed accusations that China influences operations of the crucial waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
“The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians. There’s no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality, which has cost the country blood, sweat, and tears,” Mulino said, according to Al Jazeera.
Trump’s Statements on the Canal
In a series of posts on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump reiterated his view that the Panama Canal is a “vital national asset” for the United States. He referenced its strategic importance to US national security and economic interests while also criticizing China’s alleged involvement in canal operations.
Trump wrote:
“Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal… always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in ‘repair’ money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about ‘anything.'”
This follows his nomination of Kevin Marino Cabrera as the US Ambassador to Panama, with expectations of strengthening bilateral ties.
History of the Panama Canal
The canal, constructed by the US and opened in 1914, served as a critical maritime route for over eight decades under US control. The 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties formalized the transfer of the canal to Panama, culminating in full Panamanian control in 1999.
The waterway remains vital to global trade, but Panama has consistently asserted its autonomy in managing and operating the canal.
International Response
Trump’s remarks have drawn widespread attention, with analysts viewing them as controversial and potentially disruptive to US-Panama relations. Mulino’s unequivocal stance underscores Panama’s commitment to maintaining its sovereignty over one of the world’s most significant waterways.