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Rubio warns of US action over Chinese investments in Panama Canal during talks with Mulino

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in discussions with Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino, marking his initial international engagement as the nation's leading diplomat amidst President Donald Trump's initiative to reassert US control over the Panama Canal.

Trump has articulated concerns regarding China's burgeoning presence in the region, citing investments in Panamanian ports as a potential national security issue. He has not dismissed the possibility of military intervention to regain control of the canal, which was transferred to Panama in 1999. "They've already offered to do many things," Trump stated, "but we think it's appropriate that we take it back," highlighting alleged violations by Panama concerning Chinese involvement.

Rubio met with Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha before engaging in talks with Mulino. Post-discussion, President Mulino addressed the Chinese port investments near the canal and migration issues. He indicated a potential early termination of the Panama-China Silk Road agreement, asserting Panama's sovereignty over the canal. Mulino proposed technical-level discussions with the US to address concerns regarding Chinese influence and suggested assisting in migrant repatriation if funded by the US.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce conveyed that Rubio described China's influence as a "violation" of the Canal treaty, deeming the current situation unacceptable. Rubio warned of "measures" to protect US treaty rights if "immediate changes" were not enacted.

Before the visit, Mulino had dismissed any negotiation prospects concerning US canal control, stating, "I cannot negotiate, much less open a process of negotiations on the canal," affirming that the matter "is sealed." His administration has initiated an audit of CK Hutchison Holdings, a Hong Kong-based entity managing ports adjacent to the canal.

Rubio, in a SiriusXM interview, emphasized the canal's strategic importance to the US, facilitating 40% of US container traffic. "We cannot allow any foreign power — particularly China — to hold that kind of potential control over it that they do," Rubio remarked. His visit is part of a Central American tour, including El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.

Source: DW Global

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