Rubio tells Panama that China threatens canal, changes needed
Trump made a preliminary determination that ‘control of the Chinese Communist Party’ over canal is a threat, the US state department said
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Panama President Mulino rejects US claims of Chinese influence in Panama Canal
Mulino, after the talks with the top US diplomat in Panama City, signalled he would review agreements involving China and Chinese businesses, and announced further cooperation with the US on migration, but reiterated that his country’s sovereignty over the world’s second busiest waterway is not up for discussion.
“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,” Bruce said.
“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.”
Rubio did not spell out exactly what steps Panama must take or what US retaliation would look like.