In Panama City on February 6th, President Jose Raul Mulino rebuked the U.S. for alleged misinformation regarding the Panama Canal, stating the State Department's claim about U.S. vessels not needing to pay tolls was "lies and falsehoods." This dispute could escalate existing tensions fueled by U.S. concerns over Chinese influence in the canal.
Mulino took to social media, indicating his intention to discuss the matter with President Donald Trump the following day. Panama has been under U.S. scrutiny, accused of permitting China to control the strategic waterway, and faced criticism from Trump over toll fees for the canal, a vital global trade route.
Rejecting the State Department's assertion, Mulino stressed the importance of truthful bilateral relations. The Panama Canal Authority refuted the U.S. claim, clarifying that toll fees for U.S. government vessels were still in effect.
Expressing dismay, Mulino questioned the ethical basis of the U.S. government's statement, labeling it "intolerable." He instructed the Panamanian ambassador to challenge the Trump administration's position.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the notion of the U.S. Navy paying passage fees for a canal it is obligated to protect under the U.S.-Panama treaty. Rubio, after meeting with Mulino during his Central America visit, maintained expectations for a diplomatic resolution.
Following Panama's exit request from China's Belt and Road Initiative, Mulino clarified that the decision was not influenced by the U.S. He emphasized the need to evaluate Panama's relationship with China independently for the nation's best interests.