US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Panama to reduce China's influence over the Panama Canal or face potential US retaliation. Pompeo met with Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo to express concerns about China's presence in the canal area, arguing it violates a 1999 treaty granting Panama permanent control.
President José Raúl Mulino on Sunday that the Central American ally must immediately reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal area or face potential retaliation from the Trump administration.
That treaty calls for the permanent neutrality of the American-built canal, which Rubio planned to tour later Sunday. Trump has been increasing pressure on Washington's neighbors and allies, including the canal demand and announcing Saturday that he was imposing major tariffs on Canada and Mexico.That prompted retaliation from those close allies, launching a trade war.
Mulino did say Panama would not be renewing its agreement with China's Belt and Road Initiative when it expires.Panama joined the initiative, which promotes and funds infrastructure and development projects that critics say leave poor member countries heavily indebted to China, after it dropped diplomatic recognition of Taiwan and recognised Beijing.
Rubio also pressed Trump's top focus — curbing illegal immigration — telling Panama's president that it was important to collaborate on the work and thanked him for taking back migrants.
PANAMA CHINA US RUBIO PANDAMA CANAL
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