Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino stated that an official at the United States Embassy has been threatening to revoke the visas of Panamanian officials. Responding to a reporter's question at his weekly news conference, Mulino, without providing evidence, said the diplomat is 'threatening to take visas,' adding that such actions are 'not coherent with the good relationship I aspire to maintain with the United States.' His comments come as the Trump administration pressures Panama to limit its ties to China. In July, Costa Rica's Vice President of Congress, Vanessa Castro, said the U.S. Embassy revoked her visa, citing alleged contacts with the Chinese Communist Party. Panama is particularly sensitive to U.S.-China tensions due to the strategically vital Panama Canal. Mulino noted that the underlying issue—the conflict between the U.S. and China—'doesn't involve Panama.' He also stated, 'They're free to give and take a visa to anyone they want, but not threatening that, 'If you don't do something, I'll take the visa.''
