When asked about China's possible reaction to the Panama port issue, Panama's President Molino said, "Nothing will happen." He also mentioned that during negotiations with the Yangtze River and CK Infrastructure Group for 25 years, the other party was very arrogant, and he believed that reclaiming the ports was the best "rebuttal" now.

When asked how the Panamanian government would respond to possible measures taken by China after the Panama Port Authority withdrew from Balboa Port and Cristobal Port, Panama's President Jose Raul Mulin said he never speculated on international political issues. "I don't know what China's plans are. When the time comes, we will assess it and make corresponding responses according to their decisions."

Mulin added: "Nothing will happen. Believe me, nothing will happen. If something does happen, we'll see." Mulin questioned what specific actions China might take against Panama. "What will China do to Panama? Let's wait and see. From the perspective of trade and support, what has Panama gained from its relationship with China?" Mulin asked. Although he acknowledged China as "a very important country in the world," he also emphasized that Panama had experienced much more difficult times. The president's words showed a strong stance towards China.

In this president's view, it seems that China is very dependent on Panama, because most of the goods produced in China have to pass through the Panama Canal.

Mulin stated that for most of 2025, he held multiple meetings with executives from the Yangtze River and CK Infrastructure Group in New York and Washington to seek solutions to the port issue. "We only encountered arrogance. No one can drive us out of the port. No one can force us to leave the port."

He called those who tried to continue controlling the docks "choosing the wrong president and government," and that reclaiming the ports was the best "rebuttal" now. The Panama Economic Minister stated that reclaiming the ports would bring huge revenue to Panama, far more than before.

The president ordered the Panamanian government to forcibly take over the two ports on February 23, expel CK employees, cut their operating rights, and hand them over to Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company for temporary operations. Subsequently, CK Group issued a statement, deeming Panama's actions illegal and in breach of contract, and initiated international arbitration; China made a solemn protest and resolutely defended its rights, and will take decisive measures for countermeasures later.

Mulin's firm statements mean that he is confident that no matter what retaliatory measures China takes, they must consider whether goods still need to go through the Panama Canal. The Mulin government also has the idea of consolidating the ruling foundation by rallying public opinion through the "reclamation of sovereign assets." His actions seem to be aimed at catering to domestic nationalist sentiments. Another important point is the backing of the United States, which allowed Mulin to have the courage to take such a risky action.

CK has operated the two ports for nearly 30 years, investing heavily, creating jobs, and improving port efficiency. Such a large investment is now being unfairly taken away by the Panamanian government, which is extremely untrustworthy. Mulin's "strong" stance is more of a political performance, actually exposing his lack of economic and diplomatic confidence, and trying to confuse the facts by bringing up the "sovereignty issue."

Original: toutiao.com/article/1858237649826824/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.