President José Raúl Mulino of Panama delivered powerful statements rejecting U.S. claims about free toll passage for American government vessels through the Panama Canal by describing them as “lies and falsehoods.”
During this period of rising Panama-Trump administration conflict Mulino delivered his statements regarding China’s influence over the important trade route. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently completed his visit to Panama while causing speculation about potential realignment of global relations.
Mulino stated to journalists that he completely opposes developing bilateral relations that stem from untrue information. According to the Panama Canal Authority the State Department claims are false because all ships need to pay tolls as stipulated in the 1977 neutrality treaty. 
The White House along with the U.S. State Department chose not to respond promptly to the recently raised accusations. Trump has continuously accused Panama of excessive canal fee costs and declared his country will seize control of the access route.
The Friday appointment with President Donald Trump by Mulino remained scheduled to discuss the issue at hand. Panama’s Washington ambassador received instructions from Mulino to implement “firm steps” against what he designated an intolerable falsehood.
The Panamanian government started its exit from China’s Belt and Road Initiative according to Mulino while denying that U.S. intervention prompted this move. He revealed plans to thoroughly evaluate Panama’s relations with Beijing for the sake of national priorities.
The Panama Canal stands as a vital strategic point in the geopolitical standoff the U.S. faces against China which requires Mulino to make decisions that will determine Panama’s future path.
