President of Panama Declares No Canal Ownership Talks with Trump
Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, has firmly stated that there will be no negotiations with the United States regarding the ownership of the Panama Canal.
This declaration comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent assertions that the U.S. should “take back” control of the canal, citing concerns over alleged Chinese influence and high fees imposed on American vessels.
President Mulino emphasized that the canal is an integral part of Panama’s sovereignty and is not subject to negotiation. He reiterated that the waterway is fully under Panamanian administration and dismissed claims of external control as unfounded.
The Panama Canal has been under Panamanian ownership and management since the U.S. transferred control in 1999, following the Torrijos–Carter Treaties signed in 1977. These agreements ended U.S. administration of the canal, which had been in place since its completion in 1914.