On Thursday, Panama’s president, José Raúl Mulino, rejected claims made by former President Donald Trump that China was interfering with operations at the Panama Canal. Trump’s accusations, which he posted in a Christmas message on Truth Social, suggested that Chinese soldiers were operating the canal. He even went as far as to state, “I am extending greetings to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal.”
Trump’s remarks also raised concerns about the canal potentially “falling into the wrong hands,” sparking controversy regarding the level of Chinese influence in this vital international waterway. However, Mulino quickly dismissed these allegations as “nonsense” and assured the public that there was no Chinese interference at the canal.
“There is absolutely no Chinese interference or involvement in anything that has to do with the Panama Canal,” Mulino stated emphatically at a news briefing on Thursday. “There are no Chinese at the canal, no Chinese nor any other world power at the canal,” he added.
Mulino further clarified that Panama welcomes foreign investment from all nations, stating, “If they’re Chinese, if they’re Costa Rican, if they’re American, all are welcome who want to invest in the country. There is no discrimination here in foreign investment.”
Axios reported that Mulino was visibly frustrated as he addressed the claims. In his impassioned defense, he declared, “There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal, for the love of God. It’s nonsense. There is not a single Chinese soldier in the canal.”
The controversy stems from China’s significant investments in operations surrounding the Panama Canal, which have become a point of tension in the broader U.S.-China competition for influence. While the Chinese government has indeed invested heavily in canal-related projects, Mulino’s response highlights Panama’s stance on sovereign control over the canal, distancing the nation from baseless allegations about Chinese military presence.
Mulino’s forceful rebuttal underscores Panama’s commitment to managing its strategic assets independently, free from outside interference, whether from China or any other global power.