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Ahead of a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has said there can be no negotiations related to US control of the Panama Canal.
Some shit you should know before you read: President Trump has been adamant about his pledge to “take back” the Panama Canal, arguing that the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaty, which transferred control of the canal to Panama in 1999, was a “foolish gift” that has harmed US interests. Trump claims that American shippers (and the US Navy) are being “severely overcharged” for using the canal and are not treated fairly. Trump has also claimed that China has gained influence over the canal through a Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchison Holdings, which manages ports at both canal entrances.

What’s going on now: While speaking at a press conference in Panama City on Thursday, President José Raúl Mulino made it clear that there would be no negotiations regarding US control of the Panama Canal. “It’s impossible, I can’t negotiate. That is done. The canal belongs to Panama.” Mulino also sought to dispel concerns about China’s role in the canal’s operations, stressing that while a Hong Kong-based business manages ports at both ends, the Panama Canal Authority maintains complete control of the waterway. Mulino also expressed his desire to engage in constructive talks with the US on other pressing issues. “The only thing that I want is to clear all the garbage from the path, clean the table and be able to speak with the United States, and very frankly,” he said, citing key topics such as immigration, security, and drug trafficking.
This comes as Secretary of State Marco Rubio is preparing to visit Panama as part of his first official international trip, with a focus on addressing US concerns over Chinese influence in the region. Rubio has expressed alarm over the presence of a Hong Kong-based company operating ports near the canal, warning of potential security risks. “If the government of China in a conflict tells them to shut down the Panama Canal, they will have to,” Rubio said in a recent interview, adding, “We cannot allow any foreign power, particularly China, to hold that kind of potential control.”
Rubio has suggested that his discussions with Mulino will include exploring a “solution” to limit Chinese involvement in critical infrastructure. Beyond the canal, he has also highlighted the importance of cooperation on migration and regional security, areas where Panama plays a key role.