TOPIC

/ people

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.

Panamanian authorities seized Cristobal port in February 2026. Photo: AFP

China-Latin America relations

Panama auditor targets ex-port regulators, CK Hutchison’s subsidiary in canal probe

Anel Flores says additional material concerns ex-maritime authority board members, executives of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s subsidiary.

3 Oct 2026 - 9:03PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Beijing threatens ‘serious consequences’ after Panama lawmakers support Taiwan

15 Sep 2026 - 5:36AMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

China rejects US, Panamanian claims of ‘weaponising’ ship inspections

13 Jul 2026 - 8:03PM

China-Latin America relations

US’ Cuba-China fears, Panama pressure: Latin America relations reads

From Argentina’s shrinking China lifeline to the US’ Cuba worries, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in May 2026.

3 Jun 2026 - 12:38AM

Students from military schools take part in an “anti-imperialist” protest against the American incursion in Venezuela, in front of the US Embassy in Havana in January. Photo: AFP via Getty Images/TNS

China-Latin America relations

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

Panamanian president looks to defuse issues with Beijing as South American country attempts to renew key China maritime agreement.

29 May 2026 - 6:19AMvideocam

Panama

China warns against ‘third party’ influence as Panama Canal port dispute simmers

Wang Yi also says Beijing ready to deepen cooperation with Panama City amid US pressure over operation of ports.

27 May 2026 - 7:56PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Panama minister slams China ship crackdown, tells deputies in Beijing: push back

Foreign minister says court ruling must not be used as leverage against Panama’s merchant fleet as ship detentions mount.

6 May 2026 - 3:39AMvideocam

A Panamanian-flagged vessel transits the Panama Canal in March; dozens of such ships have faced heightened inspections in Chinese ports amid rising tensions. 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

US body says Beijing’s inspections of Panama-flagged ships exceed historical norms and may be reprisals over ousted Hong Kong operator.

1 Apr 2026 - 1:07AMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

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

Subsidiary Panama Ports Company slams Panamanian government’s ‘attack campaign’ as it expands international arbitration claim over damages.

25 Mar 2026 - 9:12PM

Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings, claims Panama’s seizure of its port concessions have resulted in damages of more than US$2 billion. Photo: AP

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

The Port of Balboa in Panama. Photo: AFP

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

100

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

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

The Port of Balboa, located at the entrance to the Panama Canal in Panama City, is managed by the Hong Kong company CK Hutchison. Photo: AFP

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

Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.

SUPPORT NOW