China’s presence around the Panama Canal has become a major issue that the Panamanian government needs to address, according to top US diplomat Marco Rubio. Rubio is scheduled to travel to Panama on Saturday to visit the canal and meet with President Jose Raul Mulino. This marks the first conversation between the two countries since President Donald Trump’s threat to take control of the canal built by the US. Apart from Panama, Rubio will also visit El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, where Trump’s efforts to repatriate migrants from the region and stem migration to the US will be on the agenda. CK Hutchison Holdings, headquartered in Hong Kong, has operated ports at the canal’s entrance for more than two decades. The economic influence of China has grown in Latin America, prompting concerns in Washington that the resource-rich region will lean towards China’s interests rather than those of the US. While Panama has denied handing over control of the canal to China, Rubio stated on Thursday that he had no doubt that Beijing could potentially block the canal in case of conflict. Panama is awaiting the results of an audit on CK Hutchinson’s payments to the country, which analysts believe could provide Panama with a reason to modify its concession with the company. Despite the strained relationship with Panama, one of the closest US partners in Latin America, R. Evan Ellis, a professor at the US Army War College, believes that both parties will likely seek a quick resolution. Rubio is expected to address these issues during his visit to Panama.
“AS Kecam Campur Tangan China di Terusan Panama: Penemuan Terbaru!”
