Panama President José Raúl Mulino criticized the U.S. for spreading lies and falsehoods, particularly regarding claims that U.S. government vessels could pass through the Panama Canal without paying fees. This has further strained tensions between the two countries. The Panama Canal Authority rejected the State Department’s claim that Panama had agreed to waive crossing fees for U.S. government vessels. President Trump had previously accused Panama of charging excessive rates for use of the canal. Mulino expressed his rejection of the false claims and stated that Panama’s relationship with China, including participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, was being reevaluated. The U.S. State Department and White House did not immediately respond to the criticism. U.S. military vessels have priority passage through the canal, but all ships are required to pay tolls based on size and type. Mulino plans to speak with President Trump to address the situation. Rubio, Secretary of State, had previously met with Mulino in Panama and welcomed China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a move that raised concerns about Chinese influence over the canal. Panama has now formally expressed its intent to exit the Belt and Road Initiative, although Mulino denied that this decision was made at the request of the U.S. This ongoing dispute underscores the complexities of international relations and the strategic importance of the Panama Canal.
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