Focus on the BIG picture.
Wednesday, Mar 12, 2025

Marco Rubio Urges Panama to Limit Chinese Influence Amid Canal Dispute

US warns Panama of potential action over Chinese presence near the Panama Canal, as protests erupt in Panama City.
Panama City — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino to address US concerns over China’s influence near the Panama Canal.

The talks, held amid protests in the Panamanian capital, come as President Donald Trump pushes for tighter US control of the vital shipping route.

Rubio conveyed Trump’s position that China’s growing influence poses a threat to the canal’s operations and warned of potential US action if changes were not implemented.

The canal, operated by the Panama Canal Authority under Panamanian sovereignty, has been at the center of tensions following Trump’s remarks about “taking back” control of the waterway.

During the meeting, Mulino emphasized that Panama’s sovereignty over the canal was non-negotiable but suggested expanding a migration agreement with the US. Under the proposal, Panama would facilitate deportation flights for non-Panamanian migrants traveling through the Darién Gap, provided the US covers the costs.

Mulino also stated that Panama would not renew its Belt and Road Initiative agreement with China and invited the US to increase investments in the country.

Protests erupted as around 200 demonstrators marched through Panama City, chanting against Rubio and Trump.

Riot police intervened to block protesters from reaching the presidential palace.

Union leader Saul Mendez criticized the US visit, affirming Panama’s independence.

China, which does not operate the canal but has port operations in Panama, reiterated its respect for Panamanian sovereignty.

The US raised concerns that China could potentially disrupt canal operations during a conflict.

Rubio, a vocal critic of China, referenced these security concerns during his visit.

Panama has already ordered an audit of its ports near the canal following US pressure.

Meanwhile, water shortages caused by drought have limited canal transits, raising operational challenges.

Auctions for transit slots have reached as high as four million dollars.

Trump described Panama’s offer to audit its ports as insufficient, suggesting the US might seek stronger measures to secure its interests.

However, Panama has firmly rejected any discussions regarding US control over the canal, highlighting its strategic and financial significance to the nation’s economy.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Romania Excludes Top Presidential Contender Călin Georgescu from Election Repetition
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte apprehended in Manila on ICC warrant.
Mark Carney Chosen as Leader of Canada's Liberal Party, Poised to Assume Prime Minister Role
Russia Expels British Diplomats in Response to Increased Tensions
Pope Francis Displays Signs of Recovery, Yet His Hospitalization Prolongs.
Significant Rescue Mission in Progress Following Collision Between Tanker and Cargo Vessel in the North Sea
U.S. Government Reveals Major Reductions to USAID Initiatives.
Leak of Radioactive Coolant Reported at Europe’s Largest Nuclear Reactor
Trump Administration Launches Self-Deportation App for Undocumented Immigrants
X Experiences Major Outage Affecting Thousands of Users
Syria Wraps Up Military Campaign Amid Widespread Violence and Large-Scale Killings
Trump Remarks on the Arrest of a Pro-Palestinian Student at Columbia University
Cyberattack Targets X: Elon Musk Points to Potential Nation-State Involvement
Trump Administration Plans New Travel Ban Including Afghanistan and Pakistan
Special Election Pending Following Death of Texas Congressman Sylvester Turner
Russian Teacher Under Investigation After Explicit Content Incident in Classroom
Poland Plans Comprehensive Military Training for All Adult Males Amid Enhanced Defense Initiatives
Escalating Vandalism Targets Tesla Amid Political Controversies
Former Security Adviser Warns That UK Troop Deployment in Ukraine May Last for Years
Private spacecraft Athena has landed close to the Moon's south pole.
White House Responds to Reported Strains Between Elon Musk and U.S. Officials
Qatar Calls for Diplomatic Solution Between the US and Iran Amidst Regional Strains
Trump Administration Launches Gold Card Visa Initiative Exempting Foreign Assets from US Taxation
Trump Welcomes Cryptocurrency Leaders to White House Summit Amid Financial Controversies
Stranded Astronaut Butch Wilmore's Daughter Voices Concerns Over Extended Space Stay
Trump Urges Nuclear Talks with Iran as Tensions Escalate
Substitute Teacher Arrested for Allegedly Inciting Violence Among Students
US Launches AI Program to Track Social Media of Foreign Nationals for Terrorist Support
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Highlights the Importance of the US in Securing Peace
Trump Discovers It's Simpler to Negotiate with Russia than with Ukraine During Ongoing Conflict
U.S. Government Declares $400 Million Reduction in Funding for Columbia University
Google Eliminates Women's History Month and Various Cultural Celebrations from Calendar Application
Trump Calls for Accuracy in Government Reductions Under Musk's Supervision
Pope Francis Shares His Thanks Despite Ongoing Health Issues
Donald Trump Declares Upcoming Trip to Saudi Arabia to Discuss Business Investment Opportunities.
U.S. Government Offers $10 Million Reward for the Capture of Ex-Olympic Snowboarder Now Drug Kingpin
El Salvador Pursues Extradition of Former Colonel Associated with 1982 Killings of Dutch Journalists
Disney's Biggest Cruise Ship Set to Debut from Singapore
King Charles III Reveals His Personal Playlist with Apple Music in Anticipation of Commonwealth Day
Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff, the former 'Baywatch' star, has tragically died by suicide at the age of 62.
Trinity College Dublin Honors Eavan Boland by Naming a Building After Her, Signifying a Historic Milestone.
NYPD Detective Under Fire for Viral Music Video Appearance
Japanese Woman Taken into Custody Following Partner's Hypothermia-Induced Death on Balcony
The Eighth Flight of Starship Megarocket Encounters Upper Stage Failure.
Ex-UK Ambassador Cautions About a Significant Change in US-UK Relations
Macron Cautions Against Growing Russian Aggression as U.S. Support for Ukraine Evolves
The US Initiates Direct Discussions with Hamas Amid Hostage Situation
Global Call Center Scam Utilizes Deepfake Technology to Swindle Thousands.
Trump Provides Temporary Tariff Relief to Automakers During Trade Disputes
Tesla's UK Sales Increase Despite Wider Decline Across Europe and CEO's Engagement in Politics
×