Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino stated during a press briefing on Thursday opposing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit, that discussing control over the Panama Canal is off the table. This comes in response to recent statements by President Trump about potential U.S. intervention in the canal’s operations which Panama strongly refutes.
Mulino affirmed, I cannot negotiate or initiate discussions regarding the canal. Its ownership belongs solely to Panama. The Panama Canal, a vital 82-km (51-mile) passage connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, is managed by the Panama Canal Authority under the jurisdiction of the Panamanian government.
Despite Trump's claims of treaty violation and Chinese military presence in the canal, Mulino emphasized Panama's sovereignty over the canal and the absence of any verified information supporting these allegations.
Mulino outlined that Panama would address various pressing matters with Rubio, including issues of migration and drug trafficking. While Panama manages the canal, certain port operations at its entrances are controlled by CK Hutchinson, a publicly traded company based in Hong Kong, alongside private firms from the United States, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Regarding the possibility of rescinding concessions from Chinese-affiliated companies, Mulino clarified that this action was not under consideration. Instead, the government awaits the outcome of an audit on CK Hutchinson's payments to the state, highlighting Panama's commitment to upholding legal principles and respecting foreign investors.