Secretary of State Marco Rubio has intensified the Trump administration's stance toward Panama, asserting that President Trump views Chinese influence over the Panama Canal as a threat. During a meeting with Panama's President José Raúl Mulino, Rubio demanded "immediate changes" regarding the situation, according to the State Department.
In contrast, President Mulino stated that he did not perceive Rubio's comments as a threat of U.S. intervention to reclaim the canal, emphasizing that he sees little risk of such actions.
Trump, addressing reporters at Joint Base Andrews, remarked, "we're going to take it back, or something very powerful is going to happen," indicating a firm stance on the issue.
The State Department's account of the meeting described Rubio's tone as assertive, noting that he informed Mulino of Trump's "preliminary determination" regarding China's control over the canal. The statement highlighted that the current situation is "unacceptable" and suggested that the U.S. may take necessary measures to protect its rights under the relevant treaty.
However, the specifics of these potential measures were not disclosed. When asked about the possibility of military action, Trump did not rule it out.
Following the meeting, Mulino downplayed the likelihood of U.S. seizure of the canal, affirming that it is operated by Panama and will continue to be so. He stated, "I did not feel any threat," reinforcing his position.
Trump has previously made inaccurate claims regarding China's operation of the canal, which was built by the U.S. in the early 1900s and handed over to Panama in 1999 after significant expansion efforts.
Rubio and Trump have raised concerns about a Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchison Holdings, operating seaports at both ends of the canal, suggesting it poses a national security risk. However, experts have expressed skepticism about these claims.
Mulino indicated that his government would assess the situation after completing an audit of CK Hutchison, suggesting that updates could follow.
Historically, U.S. presidents have expressed concerns about the canal's security, with previous administrations taking measures during World War II and the Cold War to protect it from perceived threats.
During his visit, Rubio toured the Miraflores Locks of the canal and engaged with its administrator. This trip marks Rubio's first foreign visit as Secretary of State, which includes stops in El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.
In remarks at the American Embassy in Panama City, Rubio acknowledged the complex history between the U.S. and Panama, referencing past U.S. involvement in the country’s independence and the 1989 invasion to arrest Gen. Manuel Noriega.
Despite the serious discussions regarding the canal, the State Department's summary noted Rubio's gratitude to Mulino for cooperation on a joint repatriation program aimed at reducing migration through the Darién Gap.
Mulino expressed intentions to expand a previous agreement with the Biden administration to enhance security in the region and offered the use of an airstrip for repatriating migrants from the U.S.
Additionally, Mulino announced that Panama would not renew its agreement with China's Belt and Road Initiative, hoping this decision would encourage the U.S. to engage more actively in infrastructure projects within Panama.
He remarked that the U.S. had left "a lot of empty space" for other nations to fill, suggesting that this visit could pave the way for a new era in U.S.-Panama relations.