US Secretary of State Issues Stark Warning to Panama Over China’s Influence on Canal

Washington(The Uttam Hindu): During his first overseas visit as the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. Rubio warned that Panama must immediately reduce China's influence in the Panama Canal region or face potential action from the US administration. This warning comes amid increasing pressure from President Donald Trump, who has called for the return of control over the Panama Canal to the United States, including the demand for the canal’s operations to be returned to American hands.

After the meeting, Mulino addressed the matter, stating that Rubio did not make any real threats about reclaiming control of the canal or using force. However, Rubio emphasized that the presence of China in the Panama Canal zone violates the 1999 treaty, under which Panama took control of the waterway. The treaty stipulated permanent neutrality for the US-built canal, and Rubio reiterated that this situation was unacceptable.

Rubio is scheduled to visit the canal later this Sunday. The US State Department has clarified that if the status quo remains unchanged, the US may take necessary steps to protect its rights under the treaty.