Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has accused the US of spreading misinformation after the US State Department claimed American government vessels no longer had to pay fees to transit through the Panama Canal.
US President Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in control of the canal, is set to discuss this matter with Mulino. The Panama Canal is a 51-mile (82km) passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through Panama.
Although all vessels crossing the canal must pay a fee based on size and type, US ships are given priority. In response to the State Department's post stating US government vessels could transit the canal without charge, Mulino criticized the statement as based on falsehoods.
Mulino expressed his disapproval by stating, "I reject this approach to managing bilateral relations through lies and untrue claims" and instructed his Washington ambassador to take action against the assertion, deeming it "completely unacceptable."
Regarding US vessels paying for passage rights, Mulino clarified they paid "$6-7 million a year," emphasizing that this toll does not significantly impact the US economy. The Panama Canal Authority clarified that tolls remain unchanged and expressed readiness for dialogue.
After a meeting between Rubio and Mulino, Panama announced its withdrawal from China's infrastructure program, despite denying that this decision was influenced by the US. Mulino reaffirmed Panama's commitment to retaining control over the canal despite allegations of Chinese influence.
US-Rubio urged Panama to diminish Chinese influence over the canal, aligning with Trump's concerns of potential Chinese control.
Despite Trump's criticism of handing over canal control in 1977, Mulino has reaffirmed Panama's ownership. Rubio, focusing on regional issues like migration and drug trafficking, responded to Mulino's accusations during his Central America tour.
Rubio's statement addressing Mulino's allegations was made in the Dominican Republic, emphasizing ongoing US interest in the region's affairs.