Mulino responded to Trump: Every square meter of the Panama Canal belongs to Panama

In recent days, the incoming US President Trump has made a series of statements about "reclaiming" the Panama Canal, which has elicited a strong reaction from the Panamanian government and people. President Mulino of Panama responded promptly, stating categorically that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its surrounding areas belongs to Panama and will always belong to Panama. This strong response not only underscores the Panamanian government's firm stance on national sovereignty and independence, but also reflects the importance and strategic value of the Panama Canal to the Panamanian nation.

Trump's statements are not new. He had previously stated in 2011 that returning the Panama Canal to Panama was "foolish". This reiteration not only constitutes a direct challenge to Panama's national sovereignty, but also sparked widespread international attention and discussions on the US's "big stick" policy. Trump claims that the Panama Canal is "an important national asset of the United States" and threatens to take it back unconditionally. This statement is not only ridiculous, but also lacks any legal basis.

President Mulino's response emphasizes that the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas will always belong to Panama, and that Panama's sovereignty and independence are not up for negotiation. He pointed out that generations of Panamanians had paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country's sovereignty and dignity, and that the canal is now an indispensable asset of the Panamanian nation that is not controlled by any foreign power. Mulino's statement is not only a direct rebuttal to Trump's remarks, but also a profound statement on the history and struggle of the Panamanian nation.

From a historical perspective, the strategic value of the Panama Canal is beyond dispute. Located in the Central American country of Panama, it runs through the Panama Isthmus and connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, making it a key hub for global trade and shipping. Since its official opening in 1914, the Panama Canal has played a crucial role in global trade and transportation. It provides about 180 maritime routes, connecting about 170 countries and regions, and reaching about 1,920 ports worldwide, carrying about 5% of the world's annual trade volume. For Panama, the canal is an important economic pillar, bringing the government over $1 billion in foreign exchange revenue annually and creating over 10,000 direct jobs.

However, the history of the Panama Canal was not without challenges. Built by the United States, it was controlled and managed by the US for a long time after its completion. The people of Panama fought a long and arduous struggle to regain control of the canal. In 1977, after the efforts of the Panamanian people, the US and Panama signed the Panama Canal Treaty and the Treaty on the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. According to these treaties, the US officially handed over full control of the canal to Panama on December 31, 1999. This historical event not only marked the return of the sovereignty of the Panama Canal, but also symbolized the victory of Panama's national independence and autonomy.

Trump's remarks undoubtedly negate the history and efforts of the Panamanian nation. Mulino responded by strongly condemning any statements denying this fact and stated that Panamanians would "unite under the Panamanian flag" when it came to the canal and sovereignty. This statement not only reflects the unity and determination of the Panamanian people, but also sends a clear message to the world about the Panamanian government's firm stance on safeguarding national sovereignty and independence.

Trump's remarks not only challenge Panama's national sovereignty, but also undermine international law and the international order. In today's globalization and multilateralism era, no country can be above international law and the international order. The Panamanian government's firm response is not only a rejection of Trump's remarks, but also a safeguard of international law and the international order.

Mulino's response to Trump's remarks about the Panama Canal not only firmly defends the country's sovereignty and independence, but also provides a profound explanation of the efforts of the Panamanian nation and people. The Panama Canal, as an important hub for world shipping, has important strategic value for both Panama and the United States. However, this does not justify the United States threatening to revoke its sovereignty over the canal. In today's globalization and multilateralism era, all countries should respect international law and the international order and work together to maintain world peace and stability.