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

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino has rejected US President-elect Donald Trump's threats to retake control of the Panama Canal. Mulino stated that the canal is fully under Panamanian control and dismissed claims of unfair treatment of American ships. Trump had expressed concerns about fees charged by Panama and 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 no foreign power controls the canal and expressed a desire for a respectful relationship with the incoming US administration. Trump later responded, indicating he would pursue the matter further.