
Donald Trump took office and in his first speech, he did not spare strong statements, especially in foreign policy. He reiterated the fact that the United States of America will take back the Panama Canal.
But his strong statements have also brought a response from Panama. The country's president, Jose Raul Mulino, rejected Trump's idea.
"The canal is and will be part of Panama and its administration will continue to be under Panamanian control, respecting permanent neutrality," Mulino said after Trump's speech on Monday.
Mulino also disputed Trump's claim that the canal, which connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean, is operated by China.
"There is no presence of any nation in the world that interferes with our administration," Mulino said, but without mentioning China directly.
He called for dialogue on the issue, "to clarify the points mentioned, but without undermining the rights of Panama," which according to the president has full ownership and sovereignty over the canal.
Meanwhile, the Panama Canal Authority told CNN that it would not comment on Trump's statements.
"American ships are being overcharged and not being treated fairly in any way possible, and that includes the United States Navy. After all, the Panama Canal is controlled by China and we did not give it to China. We gave it to Panama and we will take it back," Trump claims.