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

Panama's 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 criticized Panama for allegedly unfair treatment of American ships and expressed concerns about China's influence in the region. He suggested that if Panama fails to manage the canal properly, the U.S. might demand its return. In response, Mulino emphasized that the canal is not under the control of any foreign power, including China or the U.S. He expressed a desire for a respectful relationship with the incoming U.S. administration.