US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Panamanian leader José Raúl Mulino that the country must reduce Chinese influence around the Panama Canal or face potential retaliation from the United States. The warning came during a visit by Rubio, who toured the canal and met with Mulino on Sunday.
The US is concerned about China’s growing presence in the canal area, which is vital to global trade. Trump has demanded that the canal be returned to US control, citing concerns over a treaty that led to the waterway being transferred to Panama in 1999.
However, Mulino rejected any talk of negotiation over ownership, saying he did not feel like there was a real threat against the treaty and its validity. The Panamanian leader also stated that his country would not be renewing its agreement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative when it expires.
Rubio’s visit comes as the US is imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, launching a trade war with those countries. The move has sparked concern in Central American nations, which are already feeling the effects of the US foreign aid freeze.
Despite the tensions, Rubio also pressed Trump’s top priority – curbing illegal immigration – and thanked Panama for taking back migrants. The visit is part of a broader tour of Central America, where Rubio will meet with leaders from El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.
The US is considering a possible compromise on the canal operations, which could involve transferring ownership to an American or European company. However, it remains unclear whether Trump would accept such a deal as meeting his demands.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/panama-rubio-trump-canal-mulino-illegal-immigration-f159e218e66812bc0e462d8fb8bb5b5f