US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his intention to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, citing concerns over China’s influence in the region. Trump’s remarks, made on Sunday night, February 2, emphasized potential “powerful” actions if the situation escalates further. Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in his inaugural international trip as top diplomat, met with Panama’s President Raúl Mulino to address the diplomatic dispute. While affirming Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, Mulino also addressed US apprehensions regarding Beijing’s activities near the waterway.
Mulino disclosed that Panama would not renew a 2017 agreement to join China’s Belt and Road initiative, hinting at a possible premature termination of the deal with Beijing. He expressed Panama’s interest in fostering new relations with the US and increasing American investments in infrastructure projects. During their discussions, Rubio highlighted US concerns about China’s perceived influence over the Panama Canal, hinting at potential measures to protect US interests under existing treaties. The canal, returned to Panama under a 1977 treaty, remains a critical conduit for global trade.
Despite Trump’s rhetoric, Mulino downplayed the likelihood of US military intervention to reclaim the canal, emphasizing discussions on joint efforts such as migrant repatriation flights, where the US would bear all associated costs. Mulino clarified that Panama would facilitate the process of repatriating foreign nationals at US expense, reinforcing Panama’s stance on fiscal responsibility in such initiatives.
