Rubio warns Panama to curb Chinese influence over canal or face US action

During a meeting with Panama’s president on Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that if the country did not take action to limit Chinese influence over the Panama Canal, the Trump administration would intervene with "measures necessary" to address the issue.

Rubio, making his first international visit as Secretary of State, met with President Jose Raul Mulino, who has resisted growing pressure from Washington regarding Panama’s handling of the canal, a crucial passage for global trade.

According to a summary released by the US State Department, Rubio made it clear to Mulino that President Donald Trump viewed the current situation as "unacceptable." The statement further noted that unless immediate changes were made, the US would be compelled to take action to "protect its rights" under an existing treaty with Panama.

"Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha today in Panama City to address critical regional and global challenges," the statement read. "Secretary Rubio informed President Mulino and Minister Martínez-Acha that President Trump has made a preliminary determination that the current position of influence and control of the Chinese Communist Party over the Panama Canal area is a threat to the canal and represents a violation of the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. Secretary Rubio made clear that this status quo is unacceptable and that absent immediate changes, it would require the United States to take measures necessary to protect its rights under the Treaty."

"Secretary Rubio also emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to end the hemisphere’s illegal migration crisis and thanked President Mulino for his support of a joint repatriation program, which has reduced illegal migration through the Darien Gap," it continued. "The Secretary underscored the desire for an improved investment climate and ensuring a level playing field for fair competition by U.S. firms. The Secretary also praised President Mulino’s regional leadership in support of a democratic, free Venezuela."