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The United States has issued a strong warning to Panama, urging the Central American country to take immediate action in limiting China's influence over the Panama Canal. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on his first overseas trip as America's top diplomat, met with Panamanian leaders to discuss this issue. The U.S. government sees China’s growing presence near the canal as a potential threat to global trade and security.
Rubio’s Meeting with Panamanian Leaders
On Sunday, Rubio held discussions with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha. According to a U.S. State Department statement, Rubio conveyed that President Donald Trump considers China's influence over the canal area a direct threat. The U.S. believes this situation violates a 1977 treaty between the U.S. and Panama, which guaranteed the canal's neutrality and accessibility to all nations.
"Secretary Rubio made clear that this status quo is unacceptable and that absent immediate changes, it would require the United States to take measures necessary to protect its rights under the Treaty," said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Despite these warnings, Panamanian President Mulino described the discussions as "respectful" and "positive," and reassured that the treaty remains valid.
China's Growing Role in Panama
China has been actively involved in infrastructure projects around the Panama Canal for years. A Hong Kong-based company has managed ports on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts since 1997. However, experts from the Council on Foreign Relations state that there is no evidence that the Chinese government controls the canal itself.
China is one of the biggest trading partners of Latin America, and its economic ties with Panama have strengthened over the years. The country has invested heavily in infrastructure, and there are concerns in Washington that, in the event of a conflict, Chinese companies could potentially disrupt global trade by controlling access to the canal.
Trump’s Stance on the Panama Canal
President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced concerns about China's influence in the region. During his inauguration speech last month, he claimed, "We didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back."
The U.S. controlled the Panama Canal from 1903 until 1977, when President Jimmy Carter signed a treaty to gradually transfer authority to Panama. The full transfer was completed in 1999. However, Trump and other U.S. officials believe that recent developments threaten the canal’s neutrality.
What Could Happen Next?
While it remains unclear what specific actions the U.S. may take, the warning suggests potential diplomatic and economic consequences for Panama if it does not act on Washington’s concerns. Experts believe that Rubio’s diplomatic mission will be challenging, as China remains a key economic partner for many Latin American nations, including Panama.
Leland Lazarus, a researcher at Florida International University, pointed out that Panama has strong trade ties with China and may not easily comply with U.S. demands.
The Panama Canal is a critical link in global trade, serving countries like the U.S., China, Japan, and South Korea. Any disruption or change in control over the canal could have major economic and geopolitical consequences.
Conclusion
The growing U.S.-China rivalry has now reached the Panama Canal, a vital global trade route. While the U.S. insists on maintaining the canal’s neutrality, China’s economic influence in the region continues to expand. The coming months will be crucial in determining how Panama balances its relationship with both major world powers and whether the U.S. will take further action.
The situation highlights the complex nature of global diplomacy, where economic interests and political strategies often collide. For now, Panama remains at the center of an international power struggle over one of the world’s most important waterways.
