Rubio warns Panama to reduce Chinese influence
(MENAFN) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned Panama to reduce Chinese influence around the Panama Canal or face potential US retaliation. During his first overseas trip as top diplomat, Rubio delivered President Donald Trump’s concerns to Panamanian officials, arguing that Panama’s relationship with China may be violating the 1977 treaty that ensures the canal’s neutrality.
In a meeting with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha, Rubio emphasized that unless Panama makes immediate changes, the US may take necessary steps to protect its rights under the treaty. While Mulino acknowledged the concerns, he dismissed the threat of US military action, suggesting that technical discussions could clear up any issues with the treaty.
In response, Mulino pledged that Panama would not renew its agreements with China under the Belt and Road Initiative and might consider ending the deal early. This move came after Trump’s repeated threats to regain control of the Panama Canal, which was handed over to Panama in 1999. Trump has voiced concerns about China’s growing influence in the region, especially regarding Chinese-backed infrastructure projects and port operations, which US officials argue may compromise the canal’s neutrality and security.
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