Panama rejects Trump's proposal for canal talks and affirms sovereignty
scmp.com —
Panama's President Mulino has firmly rejected any discussions with former President Trump regarding the Panama Canal. He stated that the canal is solely Panamanian and emphasized there will be no negotiations about its control. Mulino also dismissed Trump's suggestion to lower tolls for U.S. vessels, calling the fees "ridiculous." He reiterated that the canal, which was transferred to Panama in 1999, is managed exclusively by Panama. Trump expressed concerns about China's influence over the canal, insisting it should not fall into foreign hands. Mulino's statements reinforce Panama's stance on maintaining sovereignty over the waterway.