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Jose Raul Mulino

The latest news and top stories on Jose Raul Mulino. A Panamanian politician, diplomat and lawyer, he assumed office as the 39th President in 2024. Mulino previously served as Minister of Government and Justice and Minister of Public Security, where he was recognised for efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety. His career also includes roles as Minister of Foreign Relations and Deputy Minister. A maritime law expert, he co-founded a law firm. As president, his focus includes economic development, attracting investment and addressing irregular migration through the Darien Gap. He aims to restore Panama’s finances and reputation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Paris last month. Photo: Reuters

China-Latin America relations

Rubio raises concerns over China’s detention of Panama-flagged ships

Panama’s decision to strip Panama Ports Company of its concessions is a test of US backing for countries challenging China, experts say.

3 Apr 2026 - 4:35PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

China denies retaliating against Panama ships, accuses Washington of canal grab

1 Apr 2026 - 1:07AMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison expands Panama ports claim as losses ‘surpass’ US$2 billion

25 Mar 2026 - 9:12PM

Hong Kong economy

Panama⁠ accuses CK Hutchison subsidiary of lying about arbitration response

President Jose Raul Mulino slams Panama Ports Company for accusing country of failing to file response to arbitration request.

20 Mar 2026 - 6:37PM

Balboa port was taken over by Panamanian authorities in February. Photo: Reuters

China trade

Papers please: China raises pressure on Panama with ship inspection wave

Intensified inspections for Panama-flagged vessels – among the world’s most common registrations – retaliation for canal port seizure, source says.

16 Mar 2026 - 7:30PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Panama’s port takeover ‘culmination of a campaign’ against CK Hutchison

Company says officials entered terminals ‘without invitation’, told staff concession had ended and ordered immediate halt to operations.

25 Feb 2026 - 1:18AM

China-Latin America relations

Panama ousts Hong Kong operator from canal ports in ruling backed by Washington

White House says Panama’s move to assert sovereignty over Balboa and Cristobal aligns with Donald Trump’s vision for the canal.

24 Feb 2026 - 9:43AMvideocam

The port of Balboa, managed by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings, at the entrance to the Panama Canal in Panama City. On Monday, Panama took control of the ports in Balboa and Cristobal. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong politics

Ports row prompts Hong Kong investors to reassess stakes in Panama: John Lee

City leader also says Hong Kong government fully supports Beijing’s intention to safeguard rights of Chinese enterprises.

10 Feb 2026 - 8:40PM

China-Latin America relations

China urged to ‘harshly’ punish Panama over court’s canal ruling

Legal analyst says Beijing should ‘consider postponing arrangements’ for Donald Trump’s visit over a ruling against a Hong Kong-based firm.

9 Feb 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong summons Panama envoy over court ruling on CK Hutchison ports concession

Commerce minister Algernon Yau says Panama ruling to strip Li Ka-shing firm’s subsidiary of canal port rights ‘undermines’ trade rules.

7 Feb 2026 - 3:30PM

Panama’s Supreme Court of Justice last week stripped dock operational rights from the Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of the conglomerate led by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing’s family. Photo: AP

Hong Kong politics

What’s behind plan to adopt multi-operator model for Panama Canal ports?

Panamanian president reportedly vowed his country will ‘never again’ grant concession contracts to run terminals to single company.

7 Feb 2026 - 6:45PMvideocam

The Port of Balboa, one of two terminals at either end of the Panama Canal controlled by Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison. Photo: EPA

China-Latin America relations

China keeps Cuba and Uruguay in the fold, puts Panama out in the cold

Beijing promises more aid to struggling Havana and cooperation with Montevideo as Washington looks to extend its reach in Latin America.

6 Feb 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

US-China relations

The options China could take to deal with ‘serious setback’ over Panama Canal

Beijing has a range of possible options after a contract given to Hong Kong firm CK Hutchison was voided by Panama’s Supreme Court.

6 Feb 2026 - 1:07PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Panama president defends ruling after China slams canal port concession decision

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino rejects Chinese criticism, arguing verdict was within Panama’s constitutional and legal framework.

5 Feb 2026 - 1:09AMvideocam

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino emphasised Panama’s commitment to the rule of law and separation of powers after the canal port concession ruling. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison tipped to sell remaining ports despite Panama court ruling: experts

But effort by billionaire Li Ka-shing’s conglomerate will still face scrutiny from Beijing and deal may be re-evaluated, analysts tell SCMP.

31 Jan 2026 - 11:01PM

A container ship is guided by tugboats at a port in Panama. Photo: Reuters

China-Latin America relations

US hails Panama high court ruling against CK Hutchison’s ports concession

Secretary of State Rubio said the decision was encouraging, as it drew support on Capitol Hill and unease among Chinese-linked firms.

31 Jan 2026 - 5:31AMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

China protests to Panama over destruction of memorial to Chinese labourers

The monument was removed on the weekend without notice or consultation, Beijing’s envoy says.

29 Dec 2025 - 8:00PMvideocam

US-China relations

China says US visa threats to Central America show ‘lack of basic respect’

Washington has threatened entry curbs on officials and others from the region seen as ‘acting on behalf’ of the Communist Party of China.

21 Oct 2025 - 10:17PMvideocam

The Panama Canal has been central to the contest for influence between the United States and China. Photo: AFP

US-China trade war

CK Hutchison gets encouraging signs of a deal with Panama government

Panama is still open to being flexible and reaching an amicable agreement with CK Hutchison, owned by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing.

21 Oct 2025 - 6:49AMvideocam

US-China relations

Announcing canal revamp, Panama dodges questions about Chinese ownership

Demand from China and other Asian markets for energy products that terminal expansions will accommodate is expected to double.

17 Sep 2025 - 4:58AMvideocam

US-China relations

Ban Chinese-linked operators from key Panama Canal ports, US envoy says

Cabrera calls CK Hutchison ‘a bad operator’ and ‘a company of the Communist Party’.

8 Aug 2025 - 6:43AMvideocam

A cargo ship navigates through the Panama Canal in July. Photo: AP

Hutchison’s Panama ports deal

CK Hutchison’s US$22.8 billion ports deal flounders on Panama

New legal challenges in Panama add another hurdle to Li Ka-shing’s global port sale, while attempts to allay Chinese concerns about the deal risk inflaming US opposition.

5 Aug 2025 - 5:01PM

Hong Kong economy

Panama ports deal: Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison urges respect for rule of law

Panama’s president has floated the idea of state partnerships taking over ports operation in country.

2 Aug 2025 - 1:57AM

Hong Kong economy

Panama logs over 160 actions in ports investigation amid US-China canal dispute

Panama’s attorney general says inquiry into alleged wrongdoing by CK Hutchison unit that runs two Panama Canal ports is ‘not a routine case’.

30 Jul 2025 - 2:22AMvideocam

US-China relations

US House committee chair warns Panama about Chinese influence over Panama Canal

Moolenaar expresses alarm over China’s ‘malign influence’ on canal after reports that Chinese state-owned conglomerates bidding for port concessions.

18 Jul 2025 - 7:43AMvideocam

A ship is loaded with containers at the Panama Canal port of Balboa in June, 2023. Photo: AFP

United States

US conducts military drills in Panama Canal amid Trump’s China influence concerns

These drills come amid Donald Trump’s repeated claims of excessive Chinese influence over the crucial trade route, despite Panama’s assertions of sovereignty.

14 Jul 2025 - 10:16AMvideocam

A US military Black Hawk helicopter flies over the Pacific side of the Panama Canal as it travels to the Darien province to provide a humanitarian assistance in Panama. Photo: AP

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