Rubio’s Visit to Central America Highlights Panama Canal Negotiations

February 2, 2025 TruthUSA

‘It is not in the national interest of the United States to have a canal we paid for and we built used as leverage and a weapon against us,’ Rubio stated.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio began his journey to Latin America, arriving in Panama on Saturday, concentrating on the Panama Canal and the increasing influence of China in the region.

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic from February 1–6 to further President Trump’s America First foreign policy,” as noted in a statement from the U.S. Department of State on January 31, source.

Rubio is anticipated to address the United States’ stake in the vital waterway linking the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The president has hinted at reclaiming control over the canal, pointing to the threat posed by Chinese dominance in the area.

During a Jan. 30 interview with Megyn Kelly of The Megyn Kelly Show, Rubio commented on Chinese involvement in the Panama Canal.

“One of their significant investments involves two port facilities on either side of the canal, along with various infrastructure and cranes,” Rubio remarked.

He noted that while the company involved is headquartered in Hong Kong, it ultimately operates under the control of the Chinese government.

“If the Chinese government were to order them to shut down the Panama Canal during a conflict, they would be compelled to comply. I have no doubt they already have plans in place for such scenarios. This represents a direct threat. Legally it’s one thing, but in practice, if China chose to obstruct traffic in the Panama Canal, they certainly could do so. That’s a fact,” he asserted.

This situation contradicts the Panama Treaty agreement established with the United States.

“This dynamic cannot persist—not just because we built it at considerable cost in lives and resources, but because it fundamentally contradicts our national interest. It is not in the national interest of the United States to have a canal we paid for and constructed utilized as leverage or a weapon against us. This must not happen,” Rubio emphasized.

Nevertheless, Panama’s President Jos Raúl Mulino recently asserted that he will not consider any negotiations concerning the canal’s ownership.

“It’s impossible; I cannot negotiate,” he remarked. “That matter is settled. The canal belongs to Panama.”

The canal opened its gates in 1914 following a decade of construction by the United States. This 51-mile waterway is critical for enhancing trade efficiency between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

“Approximately 72 percent of ships transiting the canal are either coming from or headed to U.S. ports,” as stated by the U.S. Department of Commerce. “Utilizing the Panama Canal enables vessels to save substantial time and fuel expenses. The reduced transit time accelerates delivery of goods.”

Therefore, any disturbances in shipping through the canal could critically harm the United States. The canal was ceded to Panama by President Jimmy Carter through a treaty forged in 1977.

The agreement comprises two treaties—the Neutrality Treaty and the Panama Canal Treaty. The Neutrality Treaty affirms that the United States has the right to employ military force to safeguard the canal from any threats against its neutrality.

Trump contends that the neutrality agreement has been undermined as Chinese companies have established a dominating position in the area. He has criticized the “exorbitant prices and rates of passage” imposed on U.S. Navy ships and commercial vessels passing through.

Last month, during a press conference, President Donald Trump indicated he would not dismiss the option of employing economic or military coercion to regain control of the waterway. “It might come to a point where action is necessary. Understand, the Panama Canal is essential to our country. Currently, it is functioning under Chinese management. We entrusted the canal to Panama—not to China—and they have exploited that trust. They have taken advantage of that gift.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (3rd-R) greets Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha (2nd R) and John Barrett, Chargé d'affaires (4th R), as he arrives at the international airport in Panama Pacifico in Panama city on Feb. 1, 2025. (Mark Schiefelbein/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (3rd-R) greets Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha (2nd R) and John Barrett, Chargé d’affaires (4th R), upon his arrival at the international airport in Panama Pacifico in Panama city on Feb. 1, 2025. Mark Schiefelbein/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Rubio’s Mission

Aside from addressing the Panama Canal situation, Rubio’s Central America visit also aims to “promote regional collaboration on our mutual interests: halting illegal and large-scale migration, combating transnational criminal organizations and drug trafficking, countering Chinese influence, and enhancing economic partnerships for prosperity across our hemisphere,” as outlined by the State Department.

In El Salvador, Rubio will work to secure the country’s support for U.S. deportation efforts. On Jan. 31, special envoy to Latin America Mauricio Claver-Carone expressed that the United States hopes to establish a “safe third country” deal with El Salvador.

This agreement would allow illegal immigrants deported from the United States, who are not accepted back by their home countries, to seek asylum in El Salvador.

“During the first Trump administration, El Salvador was among the three nations with which the United States had a ‘safe third’ agreement,” Claver-Carone stated.

This initiative is part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to curb illegal immigration into the United States.

On Jan. 20, Trump signed an executive order focused on border security. The order aims to deter and prevent the entry of illegal aliens into America, pursue criminal charges against those violating immigration laws, and facilitate the swift removal of individuals entering or remaining in violation of federal law, among other provisions.

Trump has also issued a memorandum preparing the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba to hold illegal immigrants.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently announced that the Trump administration has ceased all grant funding abused by NGOs that facilitate unlawful immigration into the country.

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