Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino denied Donald Trump’s claims of Chinese interference in the Panama Canal, stating there was ‘absolutely no Chinese involvement’. Trump had alleged that China was illegally controlling the canal,

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino on Thursday vehemently denied President-elect Trump's claims that of Chinese interference in the Panama Canal. Why it matters: Trump has cited China increasing dominance in trade throughout the Americas as a reason to take control of the Panama Canal,

There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal. You are free, the whole world is free to visit the canal if you please,' says Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino - Anadolu Ajansı

In a message posted to his Truth Social account on Wednesday, Trump wrote: "Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal". Mulino called the claim "nonsense" and said that there is "absolutely no Chinese interference".

Panama President Jose Raul Mulino said China has no stake in the Panama Canal and US warships pay the same toll rates as other nations, pushing back against Donald Trump’s threats over the key waterway.

As for the Panama Canal, Mulino denied U.S. vessels are being overcharged to use the waterway and emphasized that China plays no role in the canal. A Hong Kong-based firm manages two ports at the Panama Canal’s entrances, but Panama owns and operates the entire canal.

Treaties ratified by the Senate in 1978 established permanent neutrality, but some Republicans regret that decision.

President Mulino said the ‘canal is Panamanian and there’s no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality’.

Sen. Ben Cardin said on ABC's "This Week" that President-elect Donald Trump's threats to seize the Panama Canal could drive U.S. allies toward to Russia and China.

Trump’s demands to have the Panama Canal returned to the U.S. were made due to Panama charging “exorbitant” passage fees on the U.S.