Panama City . US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Panama President Jose Raul Mulino that the Central American ally should immediately reduce China’s influence on the Panama Canal region, otherwise US administration may take action. This is Rubio’s first foreign trip as the US Foreign Minister. His visit is taking place at a time when US President Donald Trump has increased pressure on neighboring countries and colleagues, including demanding control of the operation of the Panama Canal to the US.
Mulino told reporters after the meeting that Rubio “did not give any real threat to re -capture the canal or use force.” US President Donald Trump has demanded that the control of the canal be handed over to America. Needed Rubio told Mulino on behalf of Trump that the US President initially determined that China’s presence in the canal region violates the treaty under which the US handed over the waterway to Panama in 1999.
In that treaty, the American -made canal talks about permanent neutrality. Rubio plans to visit the canal later on Sunday. Giving information about the meeting, the US Foreign Ministry said, “Minister Rubio clarified that this status quo is unacceptable and in the event of not making immediate changes, the US will have to take necessary steps to protect its rights under the treaty.” ‘
Meanwhile, Mulino described his conversation with Rubio as “respectable” and “positive” and said that “he does not think the treaty is a real threat.” The role of China in the ports located has created concerns for Washington but the association that controls them is being auditing and the Canal Authority will give more detailed explanation to Rubio.
