Panamanian president denies Trump's claim about recovery of Canal

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said Wednesday that President Donald Trump is "lying" and the US is not in the process of recovering the Panama Canal.

“President Trump is lying again. The Panama Canal is not in the process of recovery,” Mulino wrote on X. “I reject on behalf of Panama and all Panamanians this new affront to the truth and our dignity as a Nation. ... The Canal is Panamanian and will continue to be Panamanian!” he added.

Trump claimed his administration would recover the canal to boost national security, during a speech to Congress on Tuesday night.

He referenced BlackRock's joint venture agreement to purchase two ports at the canal's ends from Hong Kong-based firm CK Huchison, whose ownership angered Trump.

"A large American company announced that they are going to buy both ports of the Panama Canal and many other things that have to do with the Panama Canal and other canals," he said.

Trump said previously that he does not rule out force to take control of the canal, which connects the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.

He has accused Panama of charging exorbitant prices to American ships and demanded the Central American country reduce fees or return the canal to US control. Trump also alleged Chinese involvement in the canal's management.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Central America last month to counter China's growing regional influence. Rubio warned Mulino that Washington would "take necessary measures" if Panama did not curtail China's influence and control of the Canal.

Mulino then indicated that Panama was withdrawing from China's Belt and Road Initiative -- a cornerstone of China's foreign policy.