Speaking in Panama City on Sunday during his first overseas visit, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed President Donald Trump’s concerns that Panama was "violating the 1977 treaty" with the United States, which guarantees the permanent neutrality of the crucial waterway.
The US's top diplomat urged Panama to "reduce" Chinese influence in the Panama Canal or face potential US retaliation.
“This status quo is unacceptable, and without immediate changes, it would require the United States to take necessary measures to protect its rights under the treaty,” Rubio told Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha, according to a summary released by the US State Department.
Mulino responded by saying that the discussions with Rubio were held in a “respectful and positive manner.”
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While he acknowledged Washington’s concerns, he did not believe there was any immediate threat of US retaliation.
“I don’t feel there is any real threat to the treaty, its validity, or, much less, the use of military force to seize the canal,” Mulino said after the meeting. “The technical team can discuss the matter with the United States and clarify any doubts they may have.”
When asked about the potential transfer of ownership rights of the canal to the US, Mulino said no such discussions had taken place.
Meanwhile, Mulino confirmed that Panama would not seek to renew its 2017 agreements with China under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and would consider ending the deal early.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to regain control of the Panama Canal, citing “ridiculous fees” and concerns over China’s growing influence around the waterway, which the US built in the early 20th century and handed over to Panama in 1999.
Trump reiterated his position on Sunday, warning that “something very powerful is going to happen” if Panama does not comply with US demands. “I don’t think troops will be necessary in Panama,” he said, asserting that Panama’s actions were “terrible for national security in this part of the world.”
Also read: Canal belongs to Panama, no negotiations with US: Prez Mulino
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