US Secretary of State warns Panama over China's influence on the Panama Canal
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino that Washington will take necessary measures if Panama does not act to eliminate perceived Chinese control over the Panama Canal.
Following discussions in Panama City, Mulino stated he will review agreements with China and enhance cooperation with the U.S. on migration, but emphasized that Panama's sovereignty over the canal is not negotiable.
Rubio conveyed a message from President Donald Trump, asserting that China's presence through a Hong Kong company operating ports near the canal represents a threat and breaches the U.S.-Panama treaty. U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce reiterated that immediate changes are required to maintain the status quo.
Rubio did not specify the actions needed from Panama or the nature of potential U.S. retaliatory measures. Trump has previously suggested military action could be considered, although he currently believes troops are unnecessary.
Trump stated that the canal was mistakenly handed over to Panama and claimed that it is now under Chinese control, insisting that the U.S. will respond to violations of the treaty.
