U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered an uncompromising message to Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino in a crucial Panama-based meeting at the weekend about Chinese increasing influence within Panama Canal territory. A State Department readout revealed that Rubio declared the U.S. possessed the capability to use essential measures for safeguarding its canal neutrality rights under treaty provisions.
President Donald Trump displayed visible tension at this important meeting due to Chinese strategic dominance in the area. The current Chinese influence in Panama reaches unacceptable levels according to Rubio who warned that Washington may step in if Panama fails to act fast on this matter.
The Panama Canal transferred its full operational control to Panama during 1999 after receiving U.S. control for many years. Following specific agreements the U.S. has reserved the right to respond when threats endanger the neutrality of the canal. Rubio charged China with breaching the existing agreements because of its BRI-linked infrastructure involvement. 
The government of Panama denied Chinese control of the canal while declaring their intention to leave the BRI and let the 2017 agreement expire upon its expiry. Mulino announced his government would not continue the Silk Road Initiative which received support from U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz as a beneficial change.
At the meeting the participants focused on multiple regional matters such as migration control and climate investment funding which showed how America views China’s growing worldwide influence.
