WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed that President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland and re-establishing control over the Panama Canal is rooted in genuine national security concerns, particularly in light of increasing Chinese influence in the Arctic and Latin America.
Prior to his official visit to Central America, which begins in Panama this weekend, Rubio stated on Thursday that while he could not forecast whether Trump would be successful in these ventures during his presidency, he believes that the focus on these issues would ultimately have a significant effect.
“What I can assure you is that in four years, our Arctic interests will be secured, and our interests regarding the Panama Canal will also be more secure,” Rubio mentioned in an interview with SiriusXM host Megyn Kelly.
Rubio’s journey to Panama marks his first official foreign trip as the U.S. Secretary of State, highlighting the priority both he and Trump place on the Panama Canal. While immigration will be a key discussion point during his visit to Panama and other locations, he emphasized the importance of addressing the canal situation as well.
Concerns are rising over Chinese investments in both port facilities and infrastructure at the Pacific and Caribbean entrances of the canal, which pose a significant risk, as stated by Rubio. He noted that these investments could render Panama and the vital shipping route vulnerable to Chinese influence.
“They’re extensively involved in Panama,” Rubio remarked regarding Chinese investments, which experts argue may be aligned with government interests in Beijing. He warned that these companies could potentially follow orders that disrupt canal operations in the event of conflict with Taiwan or any deterioration in U.S.-China relations.
“If a conflict arises and the Chinese government orders them to close the Panama Canal, they would have no choice but to comply,” he asserted. “I have no doubt they have contingency plans for such actions, representing a direct threat.”
Rubio further explained that China could indeed obstruct traffic in the Panama Canal, which he argued would breach the 1977 treaty under which the U.S. relinquished control of the canal to Panama in 1999.
He also reiterated Trump’s grievance that U.S. vessels are being charged excessively to use the canal, framing this also as a potential breach of the treaty terms. “We shouldn’t have to pay more than other countries. In fact, considering we built the canal, we should be receiving discounts or perhaps free access,” Rubio commented.
Earlier, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino stated firmly that there would be no negotiations with the U.S. concerning ownership of the Panama Canal, indicating that he would rather Rubio’s visit center on collaborative areas like immigration and the fight against drug trafficking.
“It’s impossible; I can’t negotiate,” Mulino replied when asked about the prospect of returning control of the canal to the U.S. “That matter is resolved. The canal belongs to Panama.”
Nevertheless, Rubio confirmed that discussions regarding the canal would take place during his visit. “We are going to talk about that issue,” he highlighted. “The president has expressed a clear desire to manage the canal once again. Naturally, the Panamanians are not in favor of that notion, and they’ve communicated their stance very clearly.”
Regarding Greenland, Rubio remarked that Denmark, which governs Greenland, lacks the resources to defend the territory against Chinese encroachment, especially as it seeks to establish its presence in the Arctic to take advantage of new shipping routes.
Considering Greenland is already under the NATO mutual defense agreement due to its association with Denmark, Rubio asserted that it would be prudent for the U.S. to establish a stronger presence and authority there.
“If we have an obligation to defend it, we should also exercise greater control over what transpires there. I acknowledge this is a sensitive issue for Denmark, but ultimately, it falls under U.S. national interest,” Rubio concluded.
