On Sunday, February 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Panama and met with the country's president, José Raúl Mulino. During the meeting, the Trump administration representative issued an ultimatum regarding the Panama Canal. This information was reported on the U.S. State Department's website.
In addition to the president, the Panamanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Martínez-Achey, was also present at the meeting in Panama City to discuss critical regional and global issues. During the conversation, Rubio informed both of them that President Donald Trump had made a preliminary decision that the current level of influence and control by the Communist Party of China over the Panama Canal area poses a threat to the canal itself and violates the Treaty on Permanent Neutrality and the operation of the facility.
Furthermore, the U.S. Secretary of State made it clear that this status quo is unacceptable. Should there be no immediate changes, the U.S. will take the necessary measures to protect its rights under the Treaty.
Additionally, Rubio emphasized the importance of joint efforts to address the illegal migration crisis in the hemisphere and thanked Mulino for his support of the joint repatriation program, which has reduced illegal migration through the Darién Gap.
Secretary Rubio expressed his gratitude for the productive discussion and highlighted the United States' commitment to making both countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous. He noted that this meeting marks an important step in revitalizing the strategic relationship between the United States and Panama in line with President Trump's vision.
Previously, Republicans commented on Trump’s plans regarding the "acquisition" of the Panama Canal and Greenland.