Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has dismissed US President-elect Donald Trump's threats to reclaim control over the Panama Canal, asserting Panamanian ownership and rejecting negotiations. Mulino also refuted claims of Chinese influence and ruled out lowering tolls for US ships,

Panama President Jose Raul Mulino said China has no stake in the Panama Canal and US warships pay the same toll rates as other nations, pushing back against Donald Trump’s threats over the key waterway.

Mulino also ruled out lowering canal tolls for US ships and refuted claims that China held any sway over the crucial waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans