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

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino has dismissed threats from US President-elect Donald Trump to reclaim control of the Panama Canal. Mulino emphasized Panama's sovereignty, stating that the canal and its areas belong to Panama. Trump criticized Panama's management and raised concerns about China's influence, suggesting the US might demand the canal's return if operations were not secure. He described the fees charged by Panama as "ridiculous." The Panama Canal was completed by the US in 1914 and was returned to Panama in 1977 under a deal signed by President Jimmy Carter.