U.S. demands action on Chinese influence in Panama Canal
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, presented the Panamanian president with an ultimatum regarding the Panama Canal. Failure to comply with Washington's demands may result in the U.S. taking "measures necessary to protect its treaty rights."
Rubio informed the Panamanian president that the current state of the Panama Canal is unacceptable. "Absent immediate changes, it would require the United States to take measures necessary to protect its rights under the Treaty," Reuters reports.
Conflict over control of the Panama Canal
In a conversation with the President of Panama, Jose Raul Mulino, Rubio emphasized that according to President Donald Trump, China's influence and control over the canal pose a threat. This is viewed as a violation of the 1977 treaty that guaranteed the canal's neutrality and outlined the U.S.'s relinquishment of control.
The treaty, signed by Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos, ensured Panama would manage the canal in 1999. However, according to the U.S., the current situation requires intervention. Reuters emphasizes that the U.S. may take action if Panama does not implement changes.
President Jose Raul Mulino declared that the sovereignty of the canal is non-negotiable. However, he offered assistance in repatriating some migrants from the U.S. if Washington covered the costs. Reuters reports that Panama disagrees with the U.S.'s accusations.
Donald Trump stated that the U.S. should retake control of the canal, accusing Panama of violating the treaty by imposing higher tariffs on U.S. ships. Panama claims that tariffs depend on the size of the vessel, not the country of origin. Trump also fears that China could block the canal, threatening international trade.
