Panama president defends canal sovereignty against Trump's charges
Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has strongly rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's claim that Panama Canal charges are excessive. Mulino emphasized that the canal and its surroundings are sovereign territory of Panama. This statement marks a significant response to Trump's earlier comments suggesting a potential U.S. retake of control over the canal, citing concerns about China's influence in the region. Mulino reaffirmed Panama's commitment to its sovereignty.