Rubio demands Mulino “immediate changes” to the Chinese presence in the Panama Canal

The Secretary of State of the United States, Marco Rubiohe demanded that the Panamanian president, José Raúl Mulino, during the meeting they held this Sunday, “immediate changes” to counteract the alleged Chinese influence on the Panama Canal.

“The Rubio Secretary made it clear that this ‘status quo’ is unacceptable and that, in the absence of immediate changes, the United States would have to take the necessary measures to protect their rights under the treaty,” said the State Department in a statement.

“Panama’s sovereignty is not in question”

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino reported this Sunday that at the meeting with the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, he transferred that “Panama’s sovereignty is not in question.”

Sasí was detailed by the president in a press appearance after the meeting with Rubio, which occurred in the midst of the threats of US President Donald Trump, to recover US control of that way in retaliation due to the alleged Chinese influence.

“There is no doubt that the channel is operated by our country and so it will continue to be,” said the president, who does not see a “real threat” that the United States could use the military force to take control of the infrastructure.

“I do not feel that there is any threat in these real moments against the treaty, the validity, much less use of military force to seize the channel,” Mulino said.

“Can people be calm?” They asked him then. “I would say yes,” he replied.

Mulino said the “meeting was highly respectful and cordial” and said that “a path for the construction of a new stage in the relationship” between the two countries was opened.

“I did not feel at all a climate of controversy or disrespect, I felt a very proactive climate,” he said

According to the president, it is up to the authorities of the Panama Canal, for the autonomy of which they have constitutional mandate, and not to their government, “clarify all doubts” that Trump’s administration about road management.

Given the concerns expressed by the United States on the two ports of the channel, operated by a Chinese company, Mulino informed Rubio that there are current audits and that it cannot be pronounced until they conclude.

“Such two ports belonging to the same company are audited and accordingly, we must wait for the end to draw the legal conclusions and act in agreement,” he said.

Do not renew the agreement with China

Mulino informed Rubio, in addition, his intention not to renew the agreement with China on the new silk route.

He also proposed to expand the pact with the United States for the deportation of migrants on flights financed by Washington.