U.S. Secretary of State Calls for Reduced Chinese Influence Over Panama Canal

During a recent visit to Panama, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged the Panamanian government to reduce Chinese influence in the Panama Canal, warning that the U.S. might take steps to protect its treaty rights. This has prompted protests in Panama against perceived U.S. threats, with many citizens expressing strong sentiments regarding national sovereignty and historical grievances.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made a forceful appeal to the Panamanian government, urging it to implement "immediate changes" to diminish what he describes as the "control and influence" of China over the Panama Canal. Rubio stated that failure to address this issue would compel the U.S. to take necessary actions to protect its rights as enshrined in a treaty with Panama. This warning follows previous remarks from President Donald Trump regarding the U.S. reasserting its claim to the canal, igniting tensions and differing interpretations during a meeting with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino.

After their two-hour discussion, Mulino reported to the media that he did not perceive a serious military threat from the U.S. concerning the canal and has proposed technical talks to alleviate Trump's concerns about Chinese involvement. In contrast, Trump's claims about the canal, including baseless allegations of Chinese military personnel operating there and unfair treatment of U.S. ships, have triggered a significant backlash from the Panamanian public. Demonstrators in Panama City took to the streets, burning effigies of Trump and Rubio, prompting a response from riot police.

Mulino maintained that discussions regarding the ownership of the canal were off the table, asserting, "the canal belongs to Panama." While the U.S. retains treaty rights established in a decades-old agreement, criticisms have been levied against China's heavy investments in local port operations, fueling U.S. apprehensions regarding security and control in a potential conflict scenario.

Local sentiments regarding U.S. intervention have intensified, with residents voicing their discontent over past U.S. influence and military actions, including the 1989 invasion to oust General Manuel Noriega. Several citizens expressed their determination to prevent a return to such historical grievances, citing the terms of the existing treaty and recent investments from Chinese enterprises, highlighting the inconsistency in U.S. love for Chinese investments in its own ports while condemning them in Panama.

Marco Rubio's visit signifies a firm stance by the U.S. against growing Chinese investments in Latin America, with Rubio indicating the potential for China to obstruct maritime traffic in the canal. However, amid national pride over canal ownership, Panamanians remain skeptical about the potential benefits from its operation, with some arguing that local economic advantages remain out of reach for ordinary citizens.