Panama’s President Ahead of Rubio’s Visit: “I Cannot Negotiate” on the Canal

Panama President José Raúl Mulino firmly stated that the Panama Canal is non-negotiable ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s impending diplomatic visit to the country. Speaking at a press conference in Panama City on Thursday, Mulino emphasized, “It’s impossible… I cannot negotiate, and much less open a process of negotiation, over the canal. That’s sealed. The canal belongs to Panama.”

This response comes in the wake of remarks made by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rubio, who have repeatedly criticized Panama’s management of the canal, especially its dealings with China. Trump has previously raised concerns about China’s influence in the canal’s operations and even suggested that the U.S. might take action to “take it back,” floating ideas that have included military force.

Mulino, however, highlighted Panama’s strategic importance in other areas, such as tackling immigration, narco-trafficking, and organized crime—issues central to U.S. interests. Panama is a crucial transit point for immigrants crossing the Darien Gap—a dangerous jungle region used by Venezuelan and Colombian migrants seeking to reach the U.S.

The Panama Canal was originally constructed by the U.S. in the early 1900s and was handed back to Panama in 1999 following the Carter-Torrijos Treaties of 1977. While Trump has been vocal about his concerns over China’s presence in the region, Mulino reassured the press that the canal is under Panama’s control and is operated by the Panama Canal Authority—an independent government agency.

Mulino also discussed his expectations for a frank conversation with Rubio during his visit, noting that although the agenda had not been finalized, he hopes to clear any misunderstandings and foster open dialogue with the U.S

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