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Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino strongly rejected claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Chinese interference in the operation of the Panama Canal. On December 26, 2024, Trump posted on Truth Social alleging that China was "illegally" operating the canal and accusing the United States of paying billions of dollars in "repair" costs while having no influence over the waterway. In response, Mulino emphatically denied any Chinese involvement, stating that there was "absolutely no Chinese interference or participation in anything to do with the Panama Canal." Trump’s allegations In his post, Trump accused China of “illegally” operating the Panama Canal , claiming that the United States continues to pay billions of dollars in “repair” costs while having no influence over its operations. Trump also referred to the historical significance of the canal, stating that the US had lost 38,000 workers during its construction over 100 years ago. This reference to the canal’s construction in the early 1900s highlights the immense costs and efforts involved in completing the monumental project. Trump's concerns over Panama Canal tolls Earlier, Trump raised concerns over what he described as “ridiculous” tolls for US vessels. Threats of US control over the Canal Trump recently even threatened that if Panama did not secure the canal’s operation, the US would demand its return . His comments quickly drew sharp responses from the government of Panama, reigniting tensions surrounding the waterway, which has long been a subject of geopolitical importance. 1977 Panama Canal treaty: A shift in control The Panama Canal was initially started by French engineers in the late 19th century, but the project was plagued by tropical diseases and difficult terrain, leading to its abandonment. The United States took over the effort in 1904 and completed the canal in 1914. Under US control, the canal remained an essential maritime route for global trade. However, the control of the Panama Canal shifted dramatically under the presidency of Jimmy Carter, with the signing of the 1977 Panama Canal Treaty. This agreement effectively ceded control of the canal to Panama, while ensuring its neutral status and guaranteeing the US unimpeded access. Panamanian government’s firm denial Panama’s swift and firm response to Trump’s comments came from President Mulino, who unequivocally rejected the notion of Chinese interference. During a press conference on December 26, Mulino stated: “There is absolutely no Chinese interference or participation in anything to do with the Panama Canal.” The Panama Canal’s strategic importance The Panama Canal, which allows ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is one of the most important maritime routes in the world. It is critical for global trade, with approximately five percent of world trade passing through it. The United States remains the largest user of the canal, accounting for 74% of its traffic, while China is the second-largest user with 21%. The canal serves as a shortcut, saving time and resources by eliminating the need for ships to navigate around the southern tip of South America.
Narin An leads with a 64 in the wind as Nelly Korda struggles in LPGA finaleAn award-winning restaurant is set to close its doors for good after its head chef revealed he was stepping down. The decision was revealed on social media, stunning fans. However, the eatery, with former MasterChef star Josh Whitehead as head chef, confirmed they had come to the "tough decision" to call it quits. Kino, which is based in the Grade II listed building next to the Leeds Grand Theatre, opened in 2022. Two and a half years later though and they have called time on the eatery. The Instagram upload by the restaurant, which described itself as a "bit French, a bit British and a lot Yorkshire," said: "Some very sad news to share with you... Unfortunately, we'll be closing our doors on 21 December. "We've had a blast the last two and a half years, but sadly just couldn't make it work. It's been a really difficult decision. We're looking at new opportunities to use our big, beautiful space, but for now it's goodbye." They went on to thanks customers for their support and asking them to join them in the coming weeks for a final time. Whitehead, who joined the establishment in 2023, confirmed he was stepping down and ready to focus on his own entrepreneurial venture. Following the news of the closure, he said: "I thought it was time to move on to the next stage of my career. I just wanted to try and make one [a pie shop] happen. I’m excited to focus on creating amazing handmade pies, terrines, and paté en croute, all using sustainable, local ingredients." Posting an image of himself in a dressing gown sipping on a beer while sat in front of a pie, he said: "I’m still trying to navigate what the hell is going on currently and to settle into self-employment good and proper, for those asking about Christmas orders, there will be pies, there will be croûtes and there will be chaos, as soon as I’ve figured out the ordering system, do your worst." His new business, Finer Pleasures, comes after he had helped the restaurant win the Best Sustainability award at the 2024 Oliver Awards and launched the city’s first Pastry Club. He rose through the ranks on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2016. He was eliminated at the semi-final stages. However, he now is focusing his attention on growing his business through bespoke pie orders, catering, and pop-up events. Get all your showbiz news with Mirror Celebs WHATSAPP GROUP: Be first to get the juiciest celebrity news to your phone by joining our Celebs WhatsApp here . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . NEWSLETTER: Or sign up to the Mirror's Celebs newsletter here for all the biggest showbiz scandals, tell-all interviews and exclusive pictures straight to your inbox. Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .Construction of a boardwalk and outdoor classroom in the wetlands area at Woodrow Wilson High School could begin in the next month. Nate Sydnor, executive director of the Piney Creek Watershed Association, said the project has been put out to bid, and the organization is waiting on a “notice to proceed” from the West Virginia Division of Highways, which is expected to take four weeks. The Woodrow Wetlands Project has been in the works since 2022 after the pond, where the wetland is now located, was drained to deter the goose population from continuing to take up residence. At the time, the school had received several citations from the health department due to the high levels of fecal bacteria found in the pond, courtesy of the geese, as well as all the geese droppings on the school campus that were carried into the school by foot traffic and then spread further throughout the school. Plans for the wetlands project include a boardwalk with two 80-foot walking ramps connected on either side of a 32-by-32-square-foot outdoor classroom, a wheelchair-accessible walking pavilion and additional flora and fauna around that area. Sydnor said initial bidders on the project had it costing upward of $200,000, but they were able to find a way to reduce those costs without compromising the project. “This issue with the original bids is that the pond filled back up, which caused some complications with construction,” Sydnor said. “So we excavated and drained that area and the new bids came in drastically lower.” Sydnor said the excavation was paid for by a $6,000 grant from the Carter Family Foundation. Sydnor explained that because the pond had refilled with water and sediment, contractors were unable to determine how deep the area was and were unable to plan accordingly, but that changed when the area drained and the ground became clearly visible. Fundraising efforts for the project have been led by two Woodrow Wilson students, Ram Asaithambi and Thomas Spencer, who’ve raised around $200,000 for the project since 2022. Sydor said the money raised by the students will be used as matching funds for a $117,500 grant from the West Virginia Division of Highways. Sydnor provided updates on the Woodrow Wetlands Project as well as other projects the Piney Creek Watershed Association is involved in at a Beckley Council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 26. During the meeting, council approved a $1 lease with the Piney Creek Watershed Association for the use of a space in a former fire station located at 213 S. Kanawha St. in Beckley. Beckley City Attorney Bill File said an existing city ordinance allows the city to lease property to nonprofits at reduced rates. File added that the city will be responsible for paying the utilities for the building. Sydnor said having office space in Beckley will allow the Piney Creek Watershed Association to more easily engage with partners like the city of Beckley, the Raleigh County Commission, the Beckley Raleigh County Health Department, the Beckley Sanitary Board and West Virginia University Institute of Technology. “Being able to have an office centrally located to all the partners will help us collaborate in a variety of ways,” Sydnor said.
