Secretary Of State Rubio Visits Panama

AND Panama announces exit from Chinese Belt and Road Initiative.
STATE DEPT – Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha today in Panama City to address critical regional and global challenges. Secretary Rubio informed President Mulino and Minister Martínez-Acha that President Trump has made a preliminary determination that the current position of influence and control of the Chinese Communist Party over the Panama Canal area is a threat to the canal and represents a violation of the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. Secretary Rubio made clear that this status quo is unacceptable and that absent immediate changes, it would require the United States to take measures necessary to protect its rights under the Treaty.

Secretary Rubio also emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to end the hemisphere’s illegal migration crisis and thanked President Mulino for his support of a joint repatriation program, which has reduced illegal migration through the Darien Gap. The Secretary underscored the desire for an improved investment climate and ensuring a level playing field for fair competition by U.S. firms. The Secretary also praised President Mulino’s regional leadership in support of a democratic, free Venezuela.
Secretary Rubio expressed his gratitude for the productive discussion and underscored the United States’ dedication to making both nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous. He noted this meeting marks an important step in reinvigorating the strategic relationship between the United States and Panama, in line with President Trump’s vision.
At the conclusion of the meeting, western media report:
WASHINGTON DC – The President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, declared that the country will not renew the memorandum with China concerning the “Belt and Road Initiative.” This decision was made after discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to “Kommersant,” Mulino stressed that Rubio did not threaten to use force or a takeover of the Panama Canal.
During the talks, remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump were mentioned, in which he stated that China’s presence in the region violates the 1999 agreement on the transfer of the Panama Canal. Trump assured that addressing this issue does not necessitate U.S. military intervention.
The Chinese “Belt and Road Initiative” is a strategy for developing logistics and trade. 149 countries have joined the initiative. Panama signed a memorandum in 2017, which was renewed every three years. Panama’s decision marks the end of its cooperation with this project.