U.S. Senator Marco Rubio visited the Panama Canal on February 2, where he warned Panama that Washington would “take necessary measures” if the country does not limit China’s involvement in the important waterway.
Following the threats, Panama’s President José Raul Mulino reaffirmed his country’s sovereignty over the canal but hinted that agreements with Beijing might be revisited and also announced additional steps to cooperate on immigration, a significant political issue for the U.S. administration.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Rubio delivered a message from President Donald Trump, emphasizing that China’s presence is a threat to the waterway and violates the U.S.-Panama treaty.
“Secretary Rubio made it clear that this status quo is unacceptable, and that in the absence of immediate changes, the United States will take necessary actions to protect its rights under the treaty,” Bruce said.
Rubio did not explain the steps Panama should take, nor what retaliatory actions the United States might take if no measures are implemented.
