U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently expressed concern over China’s influence on the Panama Canal, suggesting that China may have a plan to close the canal during a potential conflict with the United States. In an interview with The Megyn Kelly Show on Sirius XM, Rubio emphasized the strategic importance of the canal and the potential national security threat posed by Chinese involvement. This statement came just days before his first trip abroad as the top U.S. diplomat, which includes a visit to Central America.
Rubio echoed some of former President Donald Trump’s previous concerns about Chinese control over the canal, which has been a point of contention since Panama handed over the waterway’s operations in 1999. Rubio pointed out that the Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchinson, which manages the two major ports at the canal’s Atlantic and Pacific entrances, is under Chinese influence. He suggested that if the Chinese government were to request the closure of the canal during a conflict, the company would likely comply, posing a direct threat to U.S. interests.
However, the Panamanian government has firmly denied any transfer of control to China. Panama’s President, Jose Raul Mulino, reiterated this position during a press conference, emphasizing that the canal remains under Panama’s management. “The channel belongs to Panama,” he stated, and he further ruled out any discussions regarding changes in ownership during Rubio’s visit.
While Panama manages the canal, the two ports at its entrances are operated by CK Hutchinson, which is publicly traded and based in Hong Kong. Other ports in the region are operated by companies from the U.S., Singapore, and Taiwan. Rubio’s comments reflect concerns about the broader influence of China in the region and its strategic implications for U.S. interests.
Despite not echoing Trump’s more drastic claims, such as the possibility of the U.S. reclaiming the canal, Rubio insisted that the situation surrounding the canal cannot continue. He expressed the belief that China already has significant control over the waterway, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to address these concerns promptly.
Critics of Trump’s rhetoric, including his stance on the Panama Canal and Greenland, have accused him of pursuing a form of modern imperialism, arguing that such statements could embolden countries like Russia and China. Some analysts question the seriousness of Trump’s comments, suggesting that his extreme position might be a negotiation tactic aimed at securing future concessions rather than an actual policy agenda.
