During an upcoming visit by US diplomat Marco Rubio, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino firmly stated that there would be no discussions regarding the control of the Panama Canal. He emphasized that the canal, which Panama gained full control of in 1999 following a treaty with the US, belongs unequivocally to Panama. Mulino also refuted claims made by US President Donald Trump regarding Chinese control, asserting that the canal is crucial for trade and operated by Panama. The canal generated significant revenue, further underscoring its importance to Panama.
I cannot negotiate, much less open, a process of negotiation on the canal. That is sealed. The canal belongs to Panama.
Trump has made acquiring the canal a top foreign policy priority, claiming without evidence that Panama is overcharging US ships and allowing Chinese military presence around the canal.
According to the Panama Canal Authority, the agency that runs the waterway, the canal generated nearly $5bn in revenue last year.
Mulino also reiterated his rejection of Trump’s accusation that the canal is being operated by China.
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