Panama Rejects U.S. Claims of Chinese Control Over Canal

President Mulino dismisses allegations as baseless while U.S. officials continue raising concerns over China's influence.

Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has strongly denied U.S. claims that China holds control or influence over the Panama Canal, calling the allegations 'lies' and 'fascination.'
The Trump administration has repeatedly raised concerns about alleged Chinese influence on the canal, with officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning of potential U.S. action under treaty obligations.
Panama recently announced its withdrawal from China's Belt and Road Initiative, a decision President Mulino emphasized was made independently and not influenced by U.S. pressure.
The Chinese Embassy in Panama has also denied any involvement in the canal's management or operations, labeling the U.S. allegations as 'pure lies.'
U.S. Southern Command's Admiral Alvin Holsey met with Panama Canal officials to discuss security concerns, but Mulino instructed his ministers to avoid discussing the U.S. allegations.