Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino dismissed US President-elect Donald Trump’s unfounded allegation that Chinese troops are “working the Panama Canal”.
This comes after Trump accused the Panamanian administration of “ripping off” the US at Panama Canal.
Trump brutally targets Panamanian govt, extends Christmas greetings to Chinese troopers
Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump mockingly prolonged Christmas greetings to “the fantastic troopers of China, who’re lovingly, however illegally, working the Panama Canal” and “making sure that the United States places in Billions of Dollars in ‘restore’ cash, however can have completely nothing to say about something.”
Calling Trump’s allegation “nonsense”, the Panamanian President advised reporters in Panama City that there’s “completely no Chinese interference”, as per the UK Independent.
“There isn’t a single Chinese soldier within the canal. For the love of God, you might be free, the entire world is free, to go to the canal should you please,” he said.
“What [Trump] has stated on this problem is nonsense, it doesn’t exist,” Mulino continued.
Panamanian President hits again at Trump
Mulino additionally denied that the canal, an important industrial route that hyperlinks the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, may very well be given up or that charges for US ships is perhaps lowered.
“The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians,” he declared, stressing that said that there’s “no chance” of beginning a dialogue about this truth.
In 2017, Panama reestablished diplomatic relations with China after severing ties with Taiwan. Mulino described the 2 nations’ relationship as “respectful, well-managed … by way of what’s within the curiosity of each nations.”
His remarks additionally come after Trump introduced that he would appoint a politician from Florida to function his ambassador to Panama.
Kevin Marino Cabrera, a Republican commissioner in Miami-Dade County, represented Florida on the Republican National Committee this 12 months
According to Trump, Cabrera “will do a incredible job representing our Nation’s pursuits in Panama!”.
Trump blasts Canada and Mexico
During a conservative Turning Point USA convention in Phoenix final weekend, Trump threatened to grab management of the canal. He knowledgeable the group that he’s able to seize management as a result of he’s upset about “exorbitant” charges being charged by Panama.
Following the threats, Mulina asserted, “The sovereignty and independence of our nation should not negotiable.”
Meanwhile, Trump focused Canada and Mexico for what he sees as dangerous border restrictions and unfair commerce techniques.