INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
His statement, delivered in a press conference, counters threats from United States President Donald Trump to reclaim the Panama
global trade today.Panama assumed full control in 1999 after decades of United States dominance, including 14 bases with 65,000 troops at
Trump now claims China influences the canal, a charge Panama denies, and seeks to restore United States authority, even hinting at
force.Panama lacks an army, disbanded in 1990 after the 1989 United States invasion to oust Manuel Noriega, leaving 25,000 personnel for
Tensions flared in December 2024 when Trump vowed to retake the canal, built with 5,600 lives lost, now generating $4.6 billion yearly for
Panama.Panama Resists United States Canal Push With Little Clout
(Photo Internet reproduction)Recent reports suggest United States Southern Command explores options, from cooperation to troop increases,
amid claims of a letter proposing joint canal management
Mulino dismisses such talk as baseless.Historically, Panama fought hard for independence, with 1964 riots killing 21 locals over United
States control marking a turning point
on diplomacy and its strategic value
