U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in Panama, after Trump vowed to ‘take back’ the Panama Canal.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) February 2, 2025
Marco Rubio, the new US Secretary of State, has touched down in Panama on his first international trip since taking the job. This visit follows President Donald Trump’s eye-catching statement about wanting to reclaim the Panama Canal, a move that has grabbed headlines worldwide.
Rubio’s trip comes at a time when Trump has imposed hefty tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. These tariffs aim to fix trade imbalances and curb illegal immigration, showing a much tougher US foreign policy. We’re talking about a 25% duty on goods from Canada and Mexico and a 10% duty on Chinese imports.
During his visit, Rubio is set to tour the Panama Canal and meet with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. This meeting is crucial as it will address worries about China’s growing influence in the region, especially when it comes to running the canal. The US is concerned that China’s involvement might threaten the canal’s neutrality and security.
What’s interesting is that Rubio will also be visiting four other Latin American countries with a focus on migration issues. This is an unusual choice for a first trip, as previous US diplomats usually started by engaging with major allies. However, it highlights the Trump administration’s focus on tackling migration and drug trafficking in the region.
The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has been under Panamanian control since 1999. The US originally built and operated the canal but handed over control to Panama under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. Despite this, Trump has argued that China’s increasing influence in the region calls for a fresh look at who manages the canal.
Sources:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-secretary-state-marco-rubio-053015170.html
https://eadaily.com/en/news/2025/02/03/panama-refused-to-cooperate-with-china-after-trumps-threats
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/02/panama-canal-neutrality-rubio-trump-00201994
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/01/panama-trump-confrontation-war-00201759
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