'It's nonsense': Panamanian president hits back at Trump

The president of Panama on Thursday hit back at President Donald Trump, calling his claims that China has interfered with the Panama Canal "nonsense."

The president-elect lodged several controversial accusations about China's alleged involvement in the Panama Canal. He said Chinese soldiers were operating the canal, wrote in a Christmas message on Truth Social that he was extending greetings to the "wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal."

Trump also expressed baseless concerns about the canal possibly "falling into the wrong hands."

But José Raúl Mulino, president of the country, forcefully denied Trump's claims.

“There is absolutely no Chinese interference or involvement in anything that has to do with the Panama Canal,” Mulino said at a Thursday news briefing. “There are no Chinese at the canal, no Chinese nor any other world power at the canal.”

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Mulino added: "If they're Chinese, if they're Costa Rican, if they're American, all are welcome who want to invest in the country. There is no discrimination here in foreign investment."

Axios reported that Mulino became animated as he refuted Trump's claims of Chinese interference.

"There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal, for the love of God. It's nonsense. There is not a single Chinese soldier in the canal," he said.

Axios noted that the Chinese government has heavily invested in operations in the Canal, leading to a "flashpoint for U.S.-China competition over spheres of influence."