US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino on his first overseas trip, amid a push by the Trump administration for control of the Panama Canal. The canal, which serves as a shortcut between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, is crucial to global trade.
Rubio emphasized the need for US collaboration to address the hemisphere’s illegal migration crisis, expressing gratitude for Panama’s support of a joint repatriation program. He also highlighted the importance of the US-Panama relationship, thanking embassy staff for their service.
However, tensions were raised when Rubio stated that China’s influence on the canal is a “threat” to its neutrality and operation, echoing President Trump’s concerns. The president had previously signed an executive order imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, sparking criticism from Democrats like Senator Mark Warner.
Warner warned that the tariffs will lead to increased prices for consumers, contradicting Trump’s promise to lower grocery prices. Rubio’s visit is part of a broader effort by the US to work with Central American countries on immigration policy.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marco-rubio-panama-canal-visit