Panama City, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino stated on Thursday that he has directed the country's foreign minister to dismiss discussions about Chinese influence on the Panama Canal during a meeting with the head of the U.S. Southern Command.
Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of the U.S. military's Southern Command, is set to meet with Panamanian officials on Thursday.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump contends that China exerts excessive influence over the Panama Canal, a vital global maritime trade route.