As for the Panama Canal, Mulino denied U.S. vessels are being overcharged to use the waterway and emphasized that China plays no role in the canal. A Hong Kong-based firm manages two ports at the Panama Canal’s entrances, but Panama owns and operates the entire canal.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino on Thursday vehemently denied President-elect Trump's claims that of Chinese interference in the Panama Canal. Why it matters: Trump has cited China increasing dominance in trade throughout the Americas as a reason to take control of the Panama Canal,