Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, has strongly denied suggestions by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump that China is involved in the Panama Canal. During a press conference on December 26, 2024, Mulino insisted that China has no role or influence in how the canal operates.
“There is absolutely no Chinese involvement at the Panama Canal,” Mulino said. “There are no Chinese or any other foreign powers involved.”
His comments came after Trump criticized the “ridiculous” fees charged for U.S. ships using the canal and raised concerns about Chinese influence. This sparked a controversy that caused a drop in Panama’s bond values on December 23.
Mulino stressed that Panama will not give control of the canal back to the U.S. and mentioned that official talks with Trump’s new administration would happen only after his inauguration.
Regarding the fees for ships, Mulino explained that the charges are based on water usage and the type of ship, with the same rules applying to everyone. He pointed out that the United States is the canal’s biggest user, with 77% of the cargo passing through in the 2024 fiscal year either coming from or going to the U.S.
“There is no unfair treatment against any warship, whether from the U.S. or elsewhere,” Mulino stated. “The canal belongs to Panama, and there’s no chance of changing that.”
The Panama Canal, a key route for global shipping, has been managed by Panama since the U.S. handed over control in 1999. The canal’s accessibility is protected by treaties that ensure it remains open to ships from all countries.
As things evolve, people involved in global trade and diplomacy are watching closely how the new U.S. administration will interact with Panama regarding the canal’s management.
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