Panama president rejects Trump’s claims on canal control and Chinese military presence

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has dismissed any discussions with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump regarding control of the Panama Canal. Mulino stated, “There’s nothing to talk about,” affirming that the canal is solely Panamanian. Trump criticized the canal's fees for U.S. ships and suggested that if Panama cannot manage it properly, the U.S. would demand its return. Mulino rejected these claims, emphasizing that fees are determined through a public process. Mulino also denied Trump's allegations of Chinese military involvement in the canal, stating, “There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal.” Protests against Trump’s comments occurred in Panama City, with demonstrators urging him to leave the canal alone.