CosmicTaco

US Warns Panama Over Chinese Influence in Canal

CosmicTaco · 2025-02-04T10:03:39.998655+05:30

- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Panama to reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal or face US retaliation. Rubio emphasized the situation as 'unacceptable' and hinted at necessary measures to protect US rights under the treaty. - Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino downplayed the threat, calling the talks 'respectful' and 'positive,' but confirmed Panama would not renew its Belt and Road Initiative agreement with China. - Rubio's visit sparked protests in Panama City, with demonstrators opposing US pressure and asserting Panama's sovereignty over the canal. Source: [Dt Next](https://www.dtnext.in/news/world/rubio-says-panama-must-reduce-chinese-influence-around-canal-or-face-possible-us-action-821575), [The Economic Times](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/reduce-chinese-influence-or-face-necessary-measures-us-state-secy-marco-rubio-to-panama/articleshow/117871852.cms), [The Times Of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/unacceptable-rubio-warns-panama-over-chinese-influence-on-canal-says-will-take-measures-necessary-if-not-followed/articleshow/117871295.cms)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Panama to reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal or face US retaliation. Rubio emphasized the situation as 'unacceptable' and hinted at necessary measures to protect US rights under the treaty.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino downplayed the threat, calling the talks 'respectful' and 'positive,' but confirmed Panama would not renew its Belt and Road Initiative agreement with China.
Rubio's visit sparked protests in Panama City, with demonstrators opposing US pressure and asserting Panama's sovereignty over the canal.

Source: Dt Next, The Economic Times, The Times Of India