Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has firmly responded to the recent comments made by President-elect Donald Trump regarding the Panama Canal, asserting the nation’s sovereignty over the critical waterway. During a press conference, President Mulino emphasized that any discussion of US control over the canal is unwarranted, stating, “the canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians.” He firmly rejected the notion of renegotiating tolls for US vessels, while also dismissing claims of Chinese influence pertinent to the canal’s operation.
Trump, who is set to take office next month, had previously intimated that the United States might consider retaking control of the Panama Canal, citing what he termed “ridiculous” fees imposed by Panamanian authorities. Historically, the US administered the canal until it was handed over to Panama in 1999, a period that involved significant sacrifices by the Panamanian people to reclaim their sovereignty.
In a series of social media posts, Trump accused Panama of “ripping off” the United States concerning the canal’s operations. He asserted that the treatment towards US Navy and commerce has been unjust, and he expressed that the fees charged are disproportionate, particularly considering the aid and support the US has extended to Panama over the years. Furthermore, he controversially claimed that Chinese soldiers were “lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal,” a statement that was categorically denied by President Mulino.
“Let there be no misunderstanding, there are no Chinese soldiers in the canal,” Mulino responded, asserting that the waterway remains open to global visitors without any foreign military oversight. While a Hong Kong-based company does manage two ports near the canal, the administration of the canal itself remains firmly in Panamanian hands.
In the wake of Trump’s remarks, public sentiment in Panama prompted a series of protests outside the US embassy in Panama City, where demonstrators expressed their discontent by chanting slogans urging Trump to respect Panamanian sovereignty. They passionately conveyed their resolve to protect the canal, a symbol of national pride and independence.
As Trump appoints Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as his envoy to Panama, it remains to be seen how future diplomatic relations will unfold. Cabrera has been characterized by Trump as a proponent of “America First principles,” potentially signaling a contentious relationship as Panama asserts its rights over the canal.
The Panama Canal stands as not just a vital global trade route but also as an emblem of national identity and resilience for Panama, representing the progress achieved through decades of dedication and effort by its people.
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