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

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino rejected US 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 had criticized Panama for allegedly unfair treatment of American ships and expressed concerns about China's influence in the region. He suggested that if Panama could not manage the canal effectively, the US would demand its return. In response, Mulino emphasized that the canal operates independently of foreign powers, including China and the US. He expressed a desire for a respectful relationship with the incoming administration.