U.S. issues stern warning over Chinese influence in Panama canal
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has delivered an ultimatum to the President of Panama concerning the Panama Canal. If Panama fails to comply with Washington's demands, the U.S. may take "necessary measures to protect its treaty rights."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted to the President of Panama that the current state of the Panama Canal is unacceptable. "Absent immediate changes, it would require the United States to take measures necessary to protect its rights under the Treaty," reports Reuters.
Conflict over control of the Panama Canal
In discussions with the President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, Rubio highlighted that, according to President Donald Trump, the Chinese influence and control over the canal present a threat. This constitutes a breach of the 1977 treaty, which ensured the canal's neutrality and saw the U.S. relinquishing control.
The treaty, signed by Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos, guaranteed that Panama would manage the canal from 1999 onwards. However, the U.S. contends that the present situation necessitates intervention. Reuters stresses that the U.S. might intervene if Panama does not implement the requested changes.
President José Raúl Mulino asserted that the sovereignty of the canal is non-negotiable. Nevertheless, he expressed a willingness to assist in repatriating some migrants from the U.S., provided that Washington covers the expenses. Reuters reports that Panama disputes the U.S.'s allegations.
Donald Trump has previously declared that the U.S. should reclaim control of the canal, accusing Panama of breaching the treaty by imposing higher tariffs on U.S. ships. Panama argues that tariffs are based on the size of the vessel, not its country of origin. Trump also fears that China might block the canal, threatening international trade.
