U.S. issues ultimatum to Panama

Rubio said the current situation in which the Chinese Communist Party maintains control and influence over the Panama Canal is a direct threat to its operation and violates the Canal's Treaty of Permanent Neutrality.  

Rubio informed the Panamanian representatives that U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed the preliminary decision that the current status of the Chinese Communist Party's influence and control over the Panama Canal area is a threat both to the Canal itself and a violation of the Treaty of Permanent Neutrality and the operation of the facility.

He made it clear that this status quo is unacceptable. Rubio noted that if there is no immediate change, the United States will demand the measures necessary to protect its rights under the Treaty.

"The United States cannot and will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to continue its effective and growing control of the Panama Canal," Rubio wrote.

Trump said the U.S. will take the Panama Canal back or something very powerful will happen.

"China controls the Panama Canal, even though it was given to Panama, not China. They violated the agreement and we're going to take it back - or something very powerful is going to happen," Trump said.

Trump has not ruled out using military force over Panama, which has drawn criticism from both Washington's allies in Latin America and its opponents. At a Senate hearing last week, U.S. officials said the dispute over the canal could lead to fines and restrictions on Panamanian-flagged ships calling at U.S. ports.

Rubio noted the importance of joint efforts to end the hemisphere's illegal migration crisis and thanked Mulino for his support for the joint repatriation program that has reduced illegal migration through the Darien Corridor.

“This meeting marks an important step in revitalizing the strategic relationship between the United States and Panama in line with President Trump's vision,” the U.S. State Department said.

Photo: X/Secretary Marco Rubio.