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Rubio on a "mission" in Panama/ Trump sends him to regain control of the Canal!

2025-02-02 11:25:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Rubio on a "mission" in Panama/ Trump sends him to regain control of

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Panama on Saturday, marking his first international trip as the country's top diplomat amid President Donald Trump's efforts to regain control of the Panama Canal.

Trump has suggested that China's growing influence in the region, particularly through its investment in Panama's ports, poses a national security risk.

He has refused to rule out military action to retake the canal, which the US handed over to Panama in 1999.

"We think it's more appropriate to take back control of the Panama Canal. They've violated the agreement by allowing China to have too much influence," Trump said Friday.

Panama refuses to negotiate

Rubio will meet with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, who has staunchly opposed any negotiations regarding U.S. control of the canal.

"I cannot negotiate, much less open a negotiation process for the canal. The canal belongs to Panama," Mulino said on Thursday. 

Rubio on a tour of Central America

Rubio, downplaying the issue of military intervention, said before the trip that the Panama Canal is a core national interest for the US.

The Panama Canal serves as a vital trade route, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and facilitating 40% of container traffic in the US.

"We cannot allow any foreign power, especially China, to maintain that kind of control of the Canal. This situation cannot continue," Rubio said.

Rubio's visit is part of a broader tour of Central America, which will also include El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. /CNA





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