It’s being reported by the AP that Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the president of Panama that he must halt the influence of China over the canal or that Trump would take necessary measures to protect the treaty with Panama on the canal.
Rubio told President Mulino that Trump has made a preliminary determination that China’s presence in the canal area violates this treaty, which calls for “permanent neutrality of the American-built canal” according the AP.
It appears, from the report, that Mulino is going to do as Trump suggests and reduce Chinese influence over the canal.
Here’s the news:
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino on Sunday that the Central American ally must immediately reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal area or face potential retaliation from the Trump administration. Mulino said later that “there is no real threat of retaking the canal or the use of force.”

Rubio, on his first foreign trip as America’s top diplomat, held face-to-face talks with Mulino, who has resisted pressure from the new U.S. government over Panama’s management of the waterway that is vital to global trade.

Speaking on behalf of President Donald Trump, who has demanded that the canal be returned to U.S. control, Rubio told Mulino that Trump had made a preliminary determination that China’s presence in the canal area violates a treaty that led to the United States turning the waterway over to Panama in 1999. That treaty calls for the permanent neutrality of the American-built 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 State Department said in a summary of the meeting.

“I don’t feel like there’s a real threat against the treaty and its validity,” Mulino said.

The warning from Rubio comes as Trump has increased pressure on Washington’s neighbors and allies, including the canal demand. On Saturday, Trump announced he was imposing major tariffs on Canada and Mexico, prompting retaliation from those countries.

Mulino called it a “good-faith meeting” that was “respectful” and “positive” and held ”to clear up doubts.” He acknowledged that China’s role in the ports at either end of the canal has raised concerns with Washington. But the president said the consortium controlling them was being audited and that the canal authority would give Rubio a more detailed explanation.

Mulino did say Panama would not be renewing its agreement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative when it expires.

Conservatively Speaking