President Mulino Says Panama’s Sovereignty Is Not in Question After Meeting With Rubio, His Actions Point In Opposite Direction

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino stated that in the meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he conveyed that “the sovereignty of Panama is not in question,” and that Panama’s sovereignty over the world’s second busiest waterway is not up for discussion. Yet, contradictorily, he stated that he would review agreements involving China and Chinese businesses, and announced further cooperation with the US on migration.

In this regard, Mulino said that the ports at the entrances to the canal, both on the Atlantic and the Pacific sides, do raise concerns for the United States, as two of them are operated by a company headquartered in Hong Kong, based on agreements signed in 1997. “So far I have no evidence to give a further opinion,” he said, adding that his government is awaiting the results of an audit that is underway on those ports, after which it will be possible to determine “how much our national interest is or is not affected by that concession.”

These statements were given by the Panamanian president in a press conference on Sunday, February 2, following the meeting with Rubio, which took place amid threats from US President Donald Trump to regain US control of the Panama Canal in retaliation for alleged “Chinese control” over it.

“There is no doubt that the canal is operated by our country and that will continue to be the case,” Mulino declared, adding that he does not see a “real threat” of the United States using military force to take control of the canal.

🚨 #Update 🇵🇦🇺🇸 How the Discussions Are Unfolding:
President Mulino: "The Panama Canal is operated by Panama and will remain so. Panama's sovereignty over the canal is not up for discussion." – Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino following talks with U.S. Secretary of State… pic.twitter.com/WeISFJl6Kn
— PitunisWorld 🌎 (@ScMesab) February 2, 2025

“I do not feel that there is any real threat at this moment against the treaty, its validity, and much less of military force being used to seize the Canal,” Mulino said.

“Can people remain calm?” journalists then asked him. “I would say yes,” he answered.

Mulino said that the meeting with Rubio “was highly respectful and cordial,” and added that a “path was opened for the construction of a new stage in the relationship” between the two countries.

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“I did not feel at all any climate of controversy or disrespect; I felt a very proactive atmosphere,” he claimed.

According to the president, it is up to the authorities of the Panama Canal, due to the autonomy that they have by constitutional mandate, and not to his government, “to clarify all doubts” that the Trump administration has about the administration of the waterway.

However, a controversial statement by the Panamanian president raised concerns about the sovereignty of the nation and its government. Mulino said that Panama’s memorandum of agreement with China as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, under which the Asian country made broad investments in Panama during previous administrations, will not be renewed. “We will study the possibility of terminating it early,” Murino said.

Trump’s attempts to seize the canal and Rubio’s visit sparked protests from Panamanian social movements. Marches and demonstrations have been going on in the country since January 30 in defense of national sovereignty and against what many call Trump’s Monroe Doctrine 2.0. On Monday, February 3, Kawsachun News reported on complaints about student protesters being detained, along with raids on homes.

Meanwhile, Rubio continues his Central America tour, visiting El Salvador on Monday, and then continuing to Costa Rica and Guatemala. The tour will conclude on February 6 in the Dominican Republic.

(Telesur English) with Orinoco Tribune content