Marco Rubio Gives Panama Ultimatum Over Chinese Influence On Canal

Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave Panama President José Raúl Mulino an ultimatum today over China’s growing influence over the Panama Canal in a face-to-face meeting.

According to State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio informed Mulino that President Donald Trump has made a preliminary determination that the Chinese Communist Party’s “position of influence and control” over the Panama Canal is 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,” the statement said.

The meeting comes as Trump has pressured Panama to reduce the influence of Chinese companies over the canal, which is vital to global trade. Trump argued that this influence could result in the canal being closed off to the U.S., posing a threat to national security and violating the treaty. He also pointed out that the U.S. was instrumental in building the canal in the early 1900s, with many Americans losing their lives during its construction.

Mulino has maintained that Panama controls the canal despite a Hong Kong company operating ports at both sides of the canal.

Rubio also thanked Mulino for his support of the program to repatriate illegal immigrants, which has reduced illegal migration through the Darien Gap.

The two leaders also spoke about improving the playing field for fair competition by U.S. businesses, and Mulino’s support for a democratic, free Venezuela.

“Secretary Rubio expressed his gratitude for the productive discussion and underscored the United States’ dedication to making both nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” the statement added. “He noted this meeting marks an important step in reinvigorating the strategic relationship between the United States and Panama, in line with President Trump’s vision.”

In the meeting was also Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha.

Rubio kicked off his Central American tour in Panama today where, in addition to his meeting with the country’s leader, he is touring the Miraflores Locks at the Panama canal, and meeting with U.S. embassy staff and their families. Rubio will also visit El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic from February 1 to 6.

Rubio’s trip is the first time a secretary of state chose to travel to Latin America as the first trip in over 100 years, reported Fox News.