Panama Cancels China Belt and Road Deal Amid US Pressure
President Trump threatened “powerful” US action against Panama over China’s influence near the Panama Canal, vowing to “take it back.” Following a meeting between US Secretary of State Rubio and Panamanian President Mulino, Panama agreed to end its participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and is auditing a Chinese-linked port company. Mulino asserted Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, while also expressing willingness to increase US investment and collaborate on migrant repatriation, with the US covering all costs. The 1977 treaty allows US intervention if the canal’s operation is disrupted, though Mulino downplayed the risk of US military action.
John Q. Hosedrinker