Rubio warns of U.S. action if Panama does not curb Chinese influence around the canal
NPR Online News2 days
Rubio, Mulino Meet Amid Rising US-Panama Tensions
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Above: Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino (C) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrive for a meeting at the presidential palace in Panama City on Feb. 2, 2025. Image copyright: Mark Schiefelbein/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panamanian Pres. José Raúl Mulino in Panama City — delivering a warning that immediate changes were needed regarding China's influence over the Panama Canal area, or the US would take measures to protect its treaty rights.
The diplomatic tension escalated after President Trump's repeated demands to retake control of the Panama Canal, claiming Panama violated agreements by allowing Chinese influence, though the canal is operated by the Panama Canal Authority, an autonomous Panamanian government agency.
Approximately 200 protesters marched in Panama City, carrying national flags and shouting anti-US slogans, while riot police prevented them from reaching the presidential palace during the diplomatic meetings.
The Spin
Narrative A
The PRC's influence over the Panama Canal poses a serious national security threat, as Beijing could potentially use its control of port facilities to disrupt this vital waterway during a conflict. The current arrangement violates the neutrality treaty and demands immediate intervention to protect American interests and rights.
Narrative B
Panama maintains full sovereignty over the canal through legally binding treaties, and the canal operates independently under Panamanian administration. The presence of international companies at ports, including those from Hong Kong, does not compromise Panama's control or violate any agreements, and attempts to reclaim the canal represent unacceptable imperial overreach.
