Panama City: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has allocated a stark warning to Panama, insisting on immediate action to deny what he describes as China’s growing “influence and control” over the Panama Canal. Rubio stated that failure to act could provoke the U.S. to take necessary measures under a long-standing treaty between the two nations.
The statement follows President Donald Trump’s recent vow to retake the canal, strengthening diplomatic tensions between Washington and Panama. Rubio met with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino in Panama City, but their interpretations of the discussion appeared to differ.
Mulino downplayed the probability of U.S. military intervention, suggesting technical-level discussions to address Trump’s concerns. However, Trump’s remarks have sparked widespread backlash in Panama. Protesters in Panama City burned images of Trump and Rubio, while riot police deployed tear gas to disperse demonstrators in small but intense clashes.
President Mulino has remained unwavering, declaring that Panama’s authority over the canal is non-negotiable. Mulino stated that, “I cannot negotiate or even open a negotiation process about the canal. It’s sealed, the canal belongs to Panama.”
Trump has claimed, without evidence, that Chinese military personnel are operating the canal and accused Panama of blaming U.S. vessels more than others. However, such discriminatory pricing would be illegal under existing treaty agreements.
Although the Panama Canal has remained under full Panamanian control since its handover in 1999, Chinese firms have heavily supported nearby ports and logistics infrastructure. A Hong Kong-based company currently operates two of the five ports near the canal’s entrances.
Trump’s suggestion of potential military action has reignited painful memories of past U.S. involvement in Panama, particularly the 1989 invasion that displaced dictator Manuel Noriega. Former Panamanian congressman Edwin Cabrera also voiced deep concerns, stating that, “I heard the bombs and started seeing people dying. The only thing left for Trump and Rubio to say is that they will invade us.”
Rubio, known for his tough stance on China, has stated that Chinese investments in the region are a direct threat to U.S. interests. Despite widespread national pride in Panamanian ownership of the canal, some residents remain sceptical of its management, citing economic inequalities.
Andre Howell, a hotel worker in Panama City stated that, “The United States and Donald Trump want to take back the canal because it’s not being administered properly.”
As tensions escalate, Panama finds itself captured between two global powers. Whether diplomacy will conquer or if Trump’s hardline rhetoric will push the situation further stays to be seen.
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