During a meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, Rubio expressed President Donald Trump’s concerns about Chinese influence over the Panama Canal. Trump had previously hinted at the possibility of using military force to gain control of the canal, even though Mulino denied that China has control over it. The canal used to be owned and operated by the U.S. but was transitioned to Panama in the late 20th century. One treaty allows the U.S. to intervene if there is a threat to the canal’s neutrality. Rubio emphasized Trump’s determination that Chinese control over the canal area is a threat and violates the treaty. Following the meeting, Mulino announced that Panama is looking into ending its involvement in China’s Silk Road Initiative and will not renew the agreement when it is up in a few years. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz praised this decision as a step in the right direction. The meeting also covered other topics such as the migration crisis, climate investment, and support for a free and democratic Venezuela. Rubio’s meeting with Mulino demonstrates the U.S.’s commitment to protecting its rights and interests in the region and ensuring the stability and security of critical infrastructure such as the Panama Canal.
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