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Marco Rubio’s Panama Visit – Is the US Secretary of State an Economic Hitman?

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publicerad 4 februari 2025
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In a diplomatic tour marked by tension and protest, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has concluded a visit to Panama amid rumours of an American intention to forcefully regain control over the Panama Canal.

Rubio, touching down in Panama City on Saturday, was met with diplomatic courtesies and a wave of public demonstrations. His agenda was officially to discuss migration policies and China’s influence in the region, but the underlying narrative was unmistakably about the canal—an artery for global trade that has been under Panamanian sovereignty since the handover in 1999.

The visit coincided with recent statements from President Donald Trump, who, in his inaugural address, insisted the U.S. was ”taking back” the Panama Canal. This rhetoric has not only incited protests but also raised questions about the potential for military or economic coercion.

During his meetings with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, Rubio articulated concerns over what he described as China’s undue influence in the canal area, mainly through the operations of Hutchison Ports, a company with historical ties to Hong Kong but now firmly in the Chinese economic sphere.

”Secretary Rubio made clear that this status quo is unacceptable and that absent immediate changes, it would require the United States to take measures necessary to protect its rights under the Treaty,” stated U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

Although Rubio did not specify what these ”measures” might entail, the language has been interpreted by some as a veiled threat of force or economic sanction.

Mulino, in response, has been resolute in asserting Panama’s sovereignty. ”Sovereignty over the canal is not in question,” he told reporters, emphasizing that while technical talks could address U.S. concerns, the canal’s ownership was non-negotiable. Despite this, he promised to review agreements involving Chinese businesses, particularly the operations of ports near the canal’s entrances, in response to Rubio’s demands.

The atmosphere in Panama City was charged. Protesters took to the streets, burning effigies of Rubio and Trump, their chants of ”Marco Rubio out of Panama” echoing through the historic district. Riot police were deployed, and there were minor clashes as demonstrators attempted to march towards the presidential palace, where talks were occurring.

American-style land grab

Web sources and posts on X have reflected a mix of apprehension and speculation. Some posts suggested readiness for an American ”land grab,” while others debated the implications for international law and global trade routes. The sentiment online mirrors the public’s unease about revisiting the imperialistic shadows of the past, with many questioning the legality and morality of any forcible takeover.

Analysts are divided on the likelihood of military action. While historical precedents exist, such an action’s political and economic cost in today’s international climate seems high. However, the U.S.’s recent imposition of tariffs on key trading partners like Mexico and Canada might indicate a willingness to use economic pressure as a tool.

The Panama Canal remains a strategic asset through which nearly 40% of U.S. container traffic passes. Rubio’s visit, therefore, is seen as an attempt to reassert U.S. influence in the region, particularly in light of China’s growing presence in Latin America.

Whether this will lead to an actual U.S. intervention remains to be seen.

Mulino bows down to Rubio

On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Panama’s choice to end its involvement in China’s global infrastructure plan, describing it as ”a great step forward” in enhancing relations with the United States.

Washington sees Panama’s action to separate from Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative as a victory, contending that Beijing employs the initiative as an alleged ”debt trap diplomacy” to expand its international influence.

 

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