Rubio warns of U.S. action if Panama does not curb Chinese influence around the canal

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panama’s President and Foreign Minister to discuss China’s influence over the Panama Canal, stating that the U.S. may intervene if immediate action is not taken. Rubio is on his first overseas trip and will also visit El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. The Panama Canal is crucial for global trade, with the U.S. being its biggest user. While there is no direct evidence of Chinese government control over the canal, Chinese companies have been involved in infrastructure projects in the region. Rubio has expressed concerns that Chinese companies could potentially disrupt the canal in a conflict. President Trump has also voiced desires to “take back” the canal from China.

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