Rubio Conveys Trump's Ultimatum to Panama
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on Panama to diminish Chinese influence concerning the Panama Canal, warning of possible US repercussions. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The US president has issued a warning that “something very powerful” will occur unless Panama takes action to limit Chinese influence over the canal.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on Panama to lessen Chinese involvement in the Panama Canal, cautioning that failure to do so might lead to US retaliation. He made these statements while in Panama City on Sunday during his inaugural overseas trip as the nation’s top diplomat.
In discussions with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha, Rubio expressed President Trump’s worries regarding Panama's violation of the 1977 treaty with the US, which ensures the canal's permanent neutrality.
“This status quo is unacceptable, and absent immediate changes, it would require the United States to take measures necessary to protect its rights under the Treaty,” he conveyed to Mulino, as noted in a summary from the US State Department.
Mulino described the discussions as “respectful” and “positive,” and while he acknowledged the concerns voiced by Washington, he did not believe there was an immediate threat of US retaliation.
“I don’t feel that there is any real threat at this time against the treaty, its validity, or, much less, the use of military force to seize the canal,” he stated after the meeting. “The technical team can discuss the matter with the United States and clarify any doubts they may have,” he continued, dismissing the idea of negotiating the canal’s ownership with the US.
In response to US pressures, Mulino declared that his administration would refrain from renewing agreements made with China in 2017 tied to Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative and would contemplate ending the deal prematurely.
Trump has consistently threatened to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, pointing to “ridiculous fees” and expressing apprehensions over China's increasing influence in the area surrounding the canal, which was developed by the US in the early 20th century and transferred to Panama in 1999.
On Sunday, Trump reaffirmed his position, warning that “something very powerful is going to happen” if Panama does not adhere to US expectations.
“I don’t think troops will be necessary in Panama,” he asserted, reiterating that what “Panama has done is terrible for national security in this part of the world.”
US officials have voiced concerns in the past that China’s initiatives in Panama could breach the 1977 Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty, which grants the US the right to safeguard the canal if its operations are under threat. Some lawmakers in the US argue that China’s economic presence, which includes infrastructure projects and port operations, could jeopardize the canal’s neutrality and security.
A major issue of concern involves the operation of ports at both ends of the canal by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings, a company viewed by US officials as potentially influenced by the Chinese government. Additionally, a $1.3 billion bridge under construction by a consortium including China Communications Construction Company and China Harbour Engineering Company is regarded by some as a significant national security risk.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on Panama to lessen Chinese involvement in the Panama Canal, cautioning that failure to do so might lead to US retaliation. He made these statements while in Panama City on Sunday during his inaugural overseas trip as the nation’s top diplomat.
In discussions with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha, Rubio expressed President Trump’s worries regarding Panama's violation of the 1977 treaty with the US, which ensures the canal's permanent neutrality.
“This status quo is unacceptable, and absent immediate changes, it would require the United States to take measures necessary to protect its rights under the Treaty,” he conveyed to Mulino, as noted in a summary from the US State Department.
Mulino described the discussions as “respectful” and “positive,” and while he acknowledged the concerns voiced by Washington, he did not believe there was an immediate threat of US retaliation.
“I don’t feel that there is any real threat at this time against the treaty, its validity, or, much less, the use of military force to seize the canal,” he stated after the meeting. “The technical team can discuss the matter with the United States and clarify any doubts they may have,” he continued, dismissing the idea of negotiating the canal’s ownership with the US.
In response to US pressures, Mulino declared that his administration would refrain from renewing agreements made with China in 2017 tied to Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative and would contemplate ending the deal prematurely.
Trump has consistently threatened to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, pointing to “ridiculous fees” and expressing apprehensions over China's increasing influence in the area surrounding the canal, which was developed by the US in the early 20th century and transferred to Panama in 1999.
On Sunday, Trump reaffirmed his position, warning that “something very powerful is going to happen” if Panama does not adhere to US expectations.
“I don’t think troops will be necessary in Panama,” he asserted, reiterating that what “Panama has done is terrible for national security in this part of the world.”
US officials have voiced concerns in the past that China’s initiatives in Panama could breach the 1977 Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty, which grants the US the right to safeguard the canal if its operations are under threat. Some lawmakers in the US argue that China’s economic presence, which includes infrastructure projects and port operations, could jeopardize the canal’s neutrality and security.
A major issue of concern involves the operation of ports at both ends of the canal by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings, a company viewed by US officials as potentially influenced by the Chinese government. Additionally, a $1.3 billion bridge under construction by a consortium including China Communications Construction Company and China Harbour Engineering Company is regarded by some as a significant national security risk.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
