U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panama's President José Raúl Mulino to discuss the Panama Canal's management. Rubio warned of possible repercussions from Washington if Panama doesn't address what the U.S. views as an increased Chinese presence in the canal area, which they believe could violate a treaty from 1999. Mulino characterized the meeting as respectful, noting no overt threats were made. He announced that Panama would not continue its involvement in China's Belt and Road Initiative after the current agreement ends, reinforcing Panama's control over the canal.
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.
Mulino described his meeting with Rubio as 'respectful' and 'positive', stating that Rubio made 'no real threat of retaking the canal or the use of force'.
Panama's president did announce that his government would not renew its participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative once its current agreement expires.
Rubio told Mulino that Trump believed that China's presence in the canal area may violate a treaty that led the US to hand over the waterway to Panama in 1999.
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