Sun Feb 02 12:58:27 IST 2025: ## US Secretary of State to Address Trump’s Canal Seizure Threat in Panama
**Panama City, Panama** – Amidst rising tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarked on his first official foreign trip to Panama Sunday, tasked with addressing President Donald Trump’s controversial threat to seize the Panama Canal. Trump’s assertion that the US will “take back” the canal, which was transferred to Panama in 1999, has sent shockwaves through the region.
Trump’s claim hinges on alleged Chinese influence in the canal’s surrounding ports and a perceived violation of agreements, though he hasn’t provided concrete evidence. He has even suggested the possibility of using military force. Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has firmly rejected any negotiation regarding canal ownership, stating unequivocally that “the canal belongs to Panama.”
Rubio’s visit aims to navigate this delicate situation. While he will meet with President Mulino to discuss shared interests like drug trafficking and migration, a key focus will be explaining Trump’s intentions. Rubio has indicated that the President’s desire stems from national security concerns related to growing Chinese influence in Latin America.
However, the specifics of Trump’s demands remain unclear. While some speculate a compromise might involve removing Hong Kong-based Hutchison Ports from operating on both sides of the canal, it’s uncertain whether Trump would accept the transfer of the concession to a US or European company. Experts believe Trump’s aggressive rhetoric presents a challenge, with Rubio needing to clarify the administration’s “red lines” during his visit. The outcome of Rubio’s mission will significantly impact US-Panama relations and the future of the strategically vital waterway.
First Piper 