Shipping in transit on their way through the Panama Canal. Photo: stock
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has rejected calls by US President-elect Donald Trump to hand over the Panama Canal to US control.
In a post on social media, Trump described fees charged to use the key shipping lane as a “complete ‘rip-off’ ” and warned of it falling into the “wrong hands” (China).
“As president, I want to express clearly that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zone belongs to Panama and will continue to do so,” Mulino says.
“The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.”
Trump claimed that the fees for the US to use the canal are “ridiculous”.
But Mulino says that since Panama took full control of the canal in 1999, it has grown.
“It is managed by qualified professionals who, with clear rules, are responsible for its operation, conservation and maintenance, ensuring its safe, continuous, efficient and profitable operation.”
He also said the fees charged are decided publicly and financed the canal’s expansion in 2016. The fees vary by size and purpose of the vessel using the canal.
Trump also claimed that the canal could fall into Chinese hands.
The Panama Canal Authority, an independent agency of the Panama government, oversees the Panama Canal.
A company based in Hong Kong manages two ports at each end of the Panama Canal while Chinese firms are investing in infrastructure surrounding the canal. No Chinese government or business has a direct role in managing traffic through the waterway.
“The canal is not under direct or indirect control, neither by China nor by the European Community, nor by the United States, nor by any other power,” Mullino says.
“As a Panamanian, I strongly reject any manifestation that distorts this reality and it will continue to be in Panamanian hands.
“Panama respects other nations and demands respect.”
With the incoming Trump administration, Mulino says he hopes to maintain a respectful relationship as they deal with bilateral security issues such as illegal migration, drug trafficking and organised crime.
“We Panamanians may think differently on many issues but when it comes to our canal and our sovereignty, we all unite under a single flag — that of Panama.”
