No Free Passage: Panama Isn’t Handing Over Control That Easily

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – If this sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve seen this kind of claim before—big headlines, confident statements, and then… reality sets in. Despite reports suggesting that Panama had granted free passage to U.S. military vessels through the Panama Canal, Panama has officially shut that down.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino didn’t waste any time clearing things up. “The Panama Canal operates under strict regulations, and no administration can unilaterally alter its toll structure,” he stated bluntly. In other words: rules are rules, and nobody’s getting a free ride.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP), the independent body that actually manages the canal, backed him up. They confirmed that every ship—no matter the flag it flies—has to pay. That includes the U.S., despite what some reports might have suggested.

Where Did This Claim Come From?

So, why did people think otherwise? It all stems from broader diplomatic discussions between Panama and the U.S. on trade, security, and regional stability. These kinds of talks often involve speculation, and sometimes, speculation turns into ‘breaking news’ before the facts have been nailed down.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later walked things back, explaining that while discussions about cooperation had taken place, no official deal had been reached. In other words: there was talk, but no ink on paper.

Why This Matters

The Panama Canal isn’t just a waterway—it’s the backbone of global trade. For over a century, nations have vied for influence over it, but Panama has made one thing clear: they call the shots. This situation is proof that in geopolitics, what people believe can sometimes matter just as much as what’s actually happening.

Next time a headline makes it sound like Panama is giving something away, ask yourself—does history support that? Not even close.

As diplomatic conversations continue, Panama Connect Online will be here to cut through the noise, delivering fact-based reporting that puts clarity over speculation.