Marco Rubio in Panama Seeks ‘China Out’ from Maritime Canal

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. Image credit US Embassy in Panama

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. Image credit US Embassy in Panama

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Chinese Communist Party Cannot Control Panama Canal: Rubio Tells Panama

By Raisina Correspondent

New Delhi, February 3: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in his first overseas visit to Panama after taking key position in the Donald Trump administration sought a ‘China Out’ commitment from his host.

“The Panama Canal is vital to America’s national and economic security interests. We must remain vigilant in protecting this vital asset from the Chinese Communist Party,” said Rubio after concluding his visit to Panama.

Rubio met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez during his visit. “I want to make clear that the United States cannot, and will not, allow the Chinese Communist Party to continue with its effective and growing control over the Panama Canal area. We also discussed efforts to end the hemisphere’s mass migration crisis and ensure fair competition for U.S. firms,” added Rubio in a post on X.

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On his arrival in Panama on first trip as Secretary of State, Rubio said that “we’re working days, nights, weekends — whatever it takes to strengthen our national security, protect our borders, and enhance economic prosperity for Americans”.

US Embassy in Panama spokesperson Tammy Bruce on the visit said that “Rubio met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha today in Panama City to address critical regional and global challenges”.

“Secretary Rubio informed President Mulino and Minister Martínez-Acha that President Trump has made a preliminary determination that the current position of influence and control of the Chinese Communist Party over the Panama Canal area is a threat to the canal and represents a violation of the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal,” added Bruce.

He also stated that “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”.

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“Secretary Rubio also emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to end the hemisphere’s illegal migration crisis and thanked President Mulino for his support of a joint repatriation program, which has reduced illegal migration through the Darien Gap,” added Bruce.

The embassy also asserted that the “Secretary underscored the desire for an improved investment climate and ensuring a level playing field for fair competition by U.S. firms. The Secretary also praised President Mulino’s regional leadership in support of a democratic, free Venezuela.”

“Secretary Rubio expressed his gratitude for the productive discussion and underscored the United States’ dedication to making both nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” added Bruce.

He noted this meeting marks an important step in reinvigorating the strategic relationship between the United States and Panama, in line with President Trump’s vision.

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