Panama’s President has dismissed claims made by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump that the Panama Canal is operated by the Chinese military, calling them “nonsense.”
During a weekly press conference livestreamed on YouTube on Thursday, Mulino firmly stated that there is “absolutely no Chinese interference.” He clarified that no foreign military personnel, including those from China, are stationed at the canal. Mulino repeatedly stressed words like “never” and “absolutely,” often with audible sighs, to underscore his denial of any military presence. He added that the Panama Canal is open for anyone worldwide to visit freely.
Mulino also insisted that the canal’s operations are non-negotiable and that any related changes are not up for discussion. “The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians. There’s no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality,” he asserted.
These statements directly responded to Trump’s claims from the previous day. On Truth Social, Trump posted, “Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly but illegally operating the Panama Canal.” This comment was widely interpreted as suggesting increased Chinese influence over the canal and provided context for Trump’s recent assertions about reclaiming U.S. control over it.
While Panama currently operates the canal, it’s worth noting that its construction in 1914 was funded and carried out by American resources and labor. Last week, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with what he perceived as the U.S.’s unfair treatment regarding canal usage and warned that he might demand its return. In response, Mulino issued public statements, vehemently declaring, “Every square meter of Panama Canal is ours.”
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