Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino denied U.S. claims that warships could transit the Panama Canal without fees. He emphasized his lack of authority to waive charges and instructed the ambassador in Washington to contest the U.S. statement. The Panama Canal Authority also confirmed there were no fee changes, highlighting the constitutional restrictions in place. This dispute comes amidst U.S. concerns over Chinese influence in the region.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has firmly rejected claims from the U.S. State Department that a deal had been struck allowing U.S. warships to transit the Panama Canal without payment. He expressed surprise and disbelief at the U.S. statement, emphasizing that he lacks the authority to set or waive fees associated with canal transit. Following this, Mulino directed Panama’s ambassador in Washington to contest the State Department’s assertion.
The U.S. State Department had publicly stated that American vessels could now traverse the canal free of charge, but Mulino clarified in a press conference that this was a misconception. His comments were supported by the Panama Canal Authority, which confirmed no changes had been made regarding transit fees and expressed a willingness to communicate with U.S. officials to clear up any misunderstandings.
A recent meeting between Mulino and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio occurred shortly before this dispute. During this discussion, Rubio relayed President Trump’s concerns about China’s influence over the canal, asserting it posed a threat to U.S. interests. Mulino has contested such assertions, underlining that both the Panamanian constitution and existing laws prevent any waiver of transit fees for warships.
The Panama Canal is a crucial maritime route linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, responsible for carrying approximately 40% of global cargo traffic. Although the U.S. originally constructed the canal, control was formally handed to Panama in 1999, establishing its sovereign authority in managing transit rules and fees. This sovereignty is underscored in Mulino’s statements regarding fee waivers and governance effectiveness.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding U.S. influence in Panama, especially with respect to the Panama Canal’s operation. Control over this vital shipping route, established during U.S. construction, was returned to Panama in 1999, but U.S. officials continue to debate national security issues tied to foreign influence, notably from China. This undercurrent shapes the narrative surrounding maritime transit and the U.S.’s strategic interests in the region. The legal framework governing the canal is strictly delineated by Panamanian law, which restricts fee waivers, thereby prioritizing Panama’s sovereign rights.
In summary, the tension between Panama and the United States concerning the Panama Canal’s transit fees has intensified due to conflicting statements from each government. President Mulino has categorically denied the existence of an agreement allowing U.S. warships to transit for free, citing constitutional and legal prohibitions against such waivers. As the U.S. seeks to assert its interests against foreign influences in the region, the matter emphasizes the complexities of international relations tied to Panama’s sovereignty.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
