Panama President Meets U.S. Secretary of State, Says "We Will Continue Operating the Canal"

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino, who is opposing U.S. President Donald Trump's demand to return control of the Panama Canal, reiterated Panama's sovereignty over the operation of the canal after meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Rubio.

On the 2nd (local time), President Mulino stated in a press conference on the Panama government's YouTube channel, "Sovereignty over the control and operation of the Panama Canal is not subject to discussion with foreign governments," adding, "The canal is operated by Panama and will continue to be so."

President Jose Raul Mulino of Panama holding a press conference on the 2nd (local time). Photo by AFP Yonhap News

He also said that he discussed the issue of ports near the Panama Canal with Secretary Rubio in a polite atmosphere. The ports near the canal mentioned by President Mulino appear to refer to a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings, one of the Panama Canal port management companies.

President Trump has claimed that China operates the Panama Canal. However, U.S. media such as CNN have pointed out that CK Hutchison Holdings only operates two ports (Balboa and Cristobal) located at both ends of the Panama Canal, labeling Trump's claim as fake news.

The Panamanian authorities also opposed this, stating, "We have not received any official information from the United States regarding foreign government influence over the canal."

However, according to the U.S. State Department spokesperson, Secretary Rubio said, "The U.S. government cannot tolerate the current situation," and added, "The United States will respond to protect its rights under the treaties related to the Panama Canal."

The Panamanian government hinted at changes in its relationship with China. President Mulino said that the agreement related to the Belt and Road Initiative (the land and maritime Silk Road connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe) with China could be terminated early, stating, "We will not renew the related agreement."

Regarding President Trump's crackdown on illegal immigrants, he said, "The flow of immigrants in Panama, a transit country, is stable, and if immigrants are deported from the United States, the costs must be borne by the United States."