Panama's largest public university has issued a sharp rebuke against recent high-level visits by U.S. officials, calling them an affront to national sovereignty and a threat to the independence of the Panama Canal.
The University of Panama accused U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Southern Command head Admiral Alvin Holsey of attempting to 'undermine Panamanian dignity' during meetings with President Jose Raul Mulino earlier this month. University officials stated these visits coincided with union-led protests against perceived U.S. interference in domestic affairs.
'The truth is they're trying to supervise the Canal and reestablish military bases through subordination,' read the institution's public statement, warning against attempts to revive historical 'Big Stick' interventionist policies. The university positioned itself as a defender of Panama's 'neutral management' of the strategic waterway.
The criticism comes amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. military activities in the region, with university representatives claiming unspecified 'military nature activities' occurred during official engagements. Analysts suggest this dispute reflects broader tensions as Panama navigates infrastructure modernization projects along the 110-year-old Canal, which handles 6% of global maritime trade.
While Panama has maintained close economic ties with the U.S. since the 1989-1990 Canal handover, recent developments suggest shifting attitudes toward foreign influence. The university urged adherence to 'true independence' principles and warned against alignment with 'warmongering policies,' referencing Washington's current tariff strategy.
