U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Panama to curb China’s growing influence over the Panama Canal, warning of potential U.S. intervention if immediate action is not taken. During talks with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha, Rubio emphasized that China’s involvement breaches a 1977 treaty ensuring the canal’s neutrality and open access.

The Panama Canal, vital for global trade, connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with the U.S. as its largest user. Although a Hong Kong-based company has managed canal ports since 1997, no evidence suggests Chinese government control. However, Rubio expressed concerns about the canal becoming a strategic choke point in the event of conflict.

President Trump has voiced intentions to “take back” control of the canal, claiming it was improperly handed over to China. Panama’s government maintains there is no threat to the treaty and has ruled out discussions on canal control, focusing instead on trade and migration matters. Rubio’s diplomatic efforts face challenges as China remains a key trading partner in Latin America.