Marco Rubio visits Panama, warns against China’s influence in Canal region

On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panama, warning that if Panama does not take action to prevent China’s influence around the Panama Canal, it could face consequences from Washington. This visit highlighted the growing concerns about China’s role in the region.

Panama has resisted pressure from the new U.S. administration regarding the management of the Panama Canal, which is a key waterway for global trade. Former President Donald Trump had repeatedly called for the canal to be returned to U.S. control.

During his meeting with Panamanian President José Raúl Molino on February 2, Rubio expressed that China’s presence in the canal region is incompatible with the 1999 treaty, which saw the U.S. hand over control of the strategic waterway to Panama. According to the treaty, the canal should remain neutral.

Rubio warned that the current situation is unacceptable and, if not addressed quickly, the U.S. may have to take necessary actions to protect its interests under the treaty. He also emphasized that controlling illegal immigration is a key priority for the Trump administration, urging cooperation between the U.S. and Panama in this area.

Panamanian President Molino, in response, expressed that he did not see a real threat to the treaty’s validity. He acknowledged concerns about China’s role in the region but assured that Panama would not extend its agreement with China regarding the Belt and Road Initiative once it expires. Molino described his meeting with Rubio as constructive and focused on resolving misunderstandings.

The visit by Marco Rubio signals the ongoing tension between Panama’s sovereignty and U.S. interests, particularly regarding the strategic importance of the Panama Canal. While both nations appear committed to resolving differences diplomatically, the situation remains delicate given the broader geopolitical context involving China’s growing influence.

Protests in Panama during Rubio’s visit, with demonstrators holding anti-U.S. slogans and calling for national sovereignty, reflect the growing discontent over perceived foreign interference. This underscores the challenge Panama faces in balancing its diplomatic relations with both the U.S. and China.

The future of U.S.-Panama relations will likely hinge on how both countries manage the sensitive issue of the Panama Canal and broader regional challenges like illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Panama will be crucial in determining how both nations navigate their strategic interests moving forward.

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