In response to claims made by the U.S. Embassy in Panama regarding discussions with Panamanian officials about \"preventing Chinese influence and control over the canal area,\" Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino addressed the allegations at a press conference on February 20. President Mulino asserted that the U.S.'s assertions about \"China controlling the canal\" are false and have been firmly rejected by the Panamanian government.
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Panamanian president slams U.S. over 'China controlling canal' claims
cgtn.com