Panama's president rejects Trump's call to reimpose US control over Panama Canal

Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has firmly rejected Donald Trump's recent comments about reimposing U.S. control over the Panama Canal. Mulino stated that the canal and its zones are exclusively part of Panama, emphasizing the country's sovereignty. Trump criticized the canal's transit fees for U.S. vessels and suggested that it was "falling into the wrong hands," referring to Chinese influence. He claimed the U.S. could demand the canal's return, but Mulino reiterated that the canal is managed by Panama and not influenced by any foreign power. The Panama Canal, a vital trade route, has been under Panamanian control since 1999. Mulino highlighted that tolls are set transparently and are not excessive, defending the canal as an essential asset of national pride and independence.