In a significant diplomatic visit, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and delivered a strong message regarding Chinese influence in the Panama Canal area. During his inaugural trip abroad as the chief U.S. diplomat, Rubio stressed the urgency for Panama to mitigate Chinese presence in order to avoid potential consequences from the United States.
While touring the iconic Panama Canal, Rubio engaged in direct discussions with Mulino, who has thus far been resistant to U.S. requests concerning the management of this crucial global trade route. Following their meeting, Mulino stated that Rubio did not issue any direct threats regarding the canal, nor did he consider force a viable option.
Representing the views of President Donald Trump, Rubio conveyed concerns about how China’s activities in the canal region may contravene the treaties established when control was handed over to Panama in 1999. These treaties promise the canal’s permanent neutrality, a status that Rubio insisted must not be compromised. The State Department later summarized this sentiment, declaring that the current situation is untenable and that without swift action, the U.S. would consider measures to safeguard its treaty rights.
This warning reflects the straightforward and assertive approach to foreign policy that Trump has established, especially as the administration intensifies pressure on neighboring countries, illustrated recently by new tariffs on Canada and Mexico that have sparked a trade conflict.
Mulino characterized his discussions with Rubio as “respectful” and “positive,” expressing confidence about the treaty’s validity and indicating that he did not perceive any genuine threats. He announced that Panama would not be renewing its partnership with China’s Belt and Road Initiative upon expiration, which has faced criticism for imposing heavy debt burdens on small nations involved.
During the visit, Rubio also toured the canal with its administrator, Ricaurte Vásquez, who affirmed that the operation of the waterway would remain under Panama’s control and accessible to all nations. Rubio’s visit included an inspection of the control tower as ships transited the canal.
As Rubio engaged in talks, a protest unfolded in Panama City with around 200 demonstrators voicing their discontent against U.S. involvement. They marched with national flags, chanting slogans advocating for sovereignty, while some resorted to burning banners featuring Trump and Rubio’s images.
Additionally, Rubio highlighted one of Trump’s primary initiatives: addressing illegal immigration. He acknowledged Mulino’s cooperation in returning migrants to their home countries. However, this diplomatic mission occurs during a U.S. foreign aid halt, which has suspended programs aimed at combating illegal immigration and crime within Central America.
In response to the ongoing immigration crisis, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to visit the U.S.-Mexico border, emphasizing Trump’s immigration policies. Recently, Rubio published an op-ed, noting that rampant migration and drug issues, along with antagonistic policies from nations like Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, have heightened regional instability, particularly with China operating critical port facilities at either end of the canal, presenting vulnerabilities to U.S. interests.
Rubio mentioned that Trump has been adamant about reinstating U.S. administration over the canal, although he acknowledged the unlikeliness of Panamanian support for such a proposal. There is speculation, however, that Panama might consider a compromise which could involve transferring canal operations from the Hong Kong-based Hutchison Ports company, that has enjoyed a favorable contract extension of 25 years. An ongoing audit into the legitimacy of this extension might pave the way for a bidding process.
As for whether Trump would agree to a transfer of this concession to an American or European entity in satisfaction of his demands remains uncertain, especially since it appears his objectives extend beyond merely operational control.
Rubio’s journey will also lead him through El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic amidst the backdrop of stalled U.S. foreign aid. The State Department indicated that specific critical programs in these nations have been granted waivers, though further information regarding them has yet to be disclosed.
