Panama rejects US pressure claims as it seeks to ease China tensions

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino stated on Thursday that his government's decisions regarding two ports near the Panama Canal were "genuinely Panamanian" and not influenced by US pressure. This statement comes as Panama aims to stabilize relations with Beijing and renew a key maritime agreement. Mulino expressed optimism that tensions with China could ease following recent talks in New York between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha, which he characterized as a "transcendental step." The Panamanian president's remarks followed accusations from China that unnamed "third parties" were interfering in bilateral ties.