Panama's president rejects Trump's claim over canal control

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's threats to retake control of the Panama Canal. Mulino stated that the canal and its areas belong to Panama and will remain under its control. Trump's comments, made at a conservative conference, criticized Panama for charging high fees to American ships and expressed concern over China's influence in the region. He suggested that if Panama could not manage the canal effectively, the U.S. would demand its return. In response, Mulino emphasized that the canal is not controlled by any foreign power, including China or the U.S. He expressed a desire for a respectful relationship with the incoming U.S. administration.