US State Secretary Marco Rubio arrived in Panama on Saturday, marking his first international visit to the country’s top diplomat to recover control over the Panama Canal amidst President Donald Trump’s bid.
Trump has suggested that China’s growing influence in the region, especially through its investment in Panama’s ports, pose a national security risk.
Hey refused to take military action to withdraw the canal, which the US handed over to Panama in 1999.
Trump said on Friday, “They have already offered to do many things,” but we think it is appropriate that we take back it, “Panama violated the agreements by allowing excessive Chinese participation to allow excessive Chinese participation. .
Panama refused to talk
Rubio is all set to meet Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, who has rejected any negotiations about the US control of the canal.
Mulino said on Thursday, “I can’t talk, a process of conversation on the canal opened very little,” saying that the issue is “seal.”
“Canal is Panama,” he said.
However, his administration has initiated an audit of Hong Kong -based CK Hachison Holdings, which operates ports on both sides of the canal.
Rubio on a tour of Central America
Rubio told the question to SiriusXM Radio in an interview before the journey, the question that the Panama Canal is a “main national interest” for the US.
The Panama Canal acts as an important trade route, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and provides 40% of the US container traffic.
Rubio said, “We cannot allow any foreign power – especially China – to keep the kind of possible control over it,” Rubio said. “It can’t just continue.”
Rubio’s visit is part of a broad tour of Central America, including Al Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Dominican Republic.
SS/WMR (AP, AFP)