By San José, Costa Rica — Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino forcefully defended the neutrality of the Panama Canal at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, directly addressing renewed claims by former US President Donald Trump that the vital waterway is under Chinese influence.
Mulino’s address comes amid escalating tensions surrounding the canal’s management. Trump, since his return to the political arena, has amplified his rhetoric, claiming the canal is under Chinese control and threatening to “reclaim” it for the United States. This claim, however, has been widely dismissed as baseless, with no evidence presented to support it.
For expert legal insight into the complexities surrounding the Panama Canal and its impact, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Panama Canal’s ongoing drought crisis underscores the delicate balance between global trade and environmental sustainability. International agreements regarding water management and resource allocation will become increasingly crucial, potentially leading to new legal frameworks and impacting existing treaties related to the canal’s operation. This situation highlights the need for proactive, collaborative solutions to ensure the long-term viability of this vital waterway.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s perspective offers a crucial reminder that the Panama Canal’s future hinges on more than just engineering marvels. Indeed, the canal’s continued success is inextricably linked to responsible environmental stewardship and international cooperation. Finding a sustainable path forward, as he rightly points out, will require innovative legal and diplomatic solutions that prioritize both global commerce and the delicate ecosystems upon which the canal depends. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
Before this Assembly, Panama reaffirms once again its serious and sustained commitment towards (…) permanent neutrality.
José Raúl Mulino, Panamanian President
The Panamanian president emphasized the importance of the canal’s neutral status for global trade and security. He underscored Panama’s commitment to upholding the international treaties that transferred control of the canal from the US to Panama on December 31, 1999.
Neutrality is the most appropriate formula to protect the security of our canal, a good of global utility.
José Raúl Mulino, Panamanian President
Mulino highlighted Panama’s exemplary management of the canal, emphasizing its contribution to both the country’s economic development and the facilitation of international trade. He noted the crucial role of multilateralism in addressing global challenges and crises.
Trump’s demands for free passage of US commercial and military vessels through the canal contradict the existing treaties, which stipulate equal tolls for all ships based on vessel type and cargo. The treaties also guarantee passage for ships from all nations, regardless of their origin, destination, or Panama’s foreign policy.
The Panama Canal handles approximately 5% of global maritime trade, with the United States and China being its two primary users. This strategic importance makes the canal a focal point in international relations and underscores the significance of maintaining its neutrality. Mulino’s firm stance at the UN reinforces Panama’s commitment to preserving the canal’s status and operational integrity for the benefit of the international community.
The Panamanian leader’s speech garnered significant attention at the UN General Assembly, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding the canal’s future and its role in a complex geopolitical landscape.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by smaller nations in navigating international pressures while striving to uphold international law and protect their sovereign interests. Mulino’s address served as a clear message to the international community of Panama’s unwavering resolve to maintain the neutrality and operational integrity of the Panama Canal.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the United Nations
About the United Nations:
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization aiming to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Panamanian Government
About the Panamanian Government:
The Panamanian government is the central governing authority of the Republic of Panama, a transcontinental country in Central America and South America. The government is responsible for managing the country’s affairs, including the operation and protection of the Panama Canal, a key component of the nation’s economy and a strategically important waterway for global trade.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the US Government
About the US Government:
The United States Government is the federal government of the United States, a federal republic in North America composed of 50 states, a federal district, five major self-governing territories, and various possessions. The U.S. government is based on the principles of separation of powers and a system of checks and balances.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering ethical conduct form the bedrock of our practice. We are driven by a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society through readily accessible legal knowledge and innovative solutions. Serving a diverse clientele, we strive to not only provide exceptional legal counsel but also contribute to a more informed and empowered populace, fostering a stronger foundation for justice and equality within our community.
