Senator Rubio Presses Panama on China Relations and Immigration Concerns

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio urges Panama to address its growing ties with China and manage immigration issues, emphasizing potential impacts on regional security and diplomacy.

During his five-day visit to Central America, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned Panama’s President about Washington’s concerns regarding significant Chinese influence over the Panama Canal. However, Panama has dismissed these claims.

Another important topic addressed was reducing illegal immigration.

During the meeting, José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama, stated:

We had an extensive discussion about the immigration issue, acknowledging that Panama is primarily a transit country. Panamanians aren’t looking to emigrate; we’re here to stay. However, we considered how this might impact us.

The meeting aims to strengthen economic and political ties between Panama and the U.S.

“Marco Rubio stated, ‘Today, it stands as one of our most robust economic partners in the hemisphere and serves as a crucial driver for numerous trade and commerce activities within the United States. These interactions significantly impact many individuals both entering and leaving the country; therefore, it’s an excellent place to visit first.’”

Even though the meeting concluded with a positive outcome, 200 individuals marched through Panama’s capital, waving Panamanian flags and chanting for Marco Rubio to leave Panama.

A banner featuring images of Trump and the US Secretary of State was set on fire by some individuals.

Rubio’s upcoming itinerary includes visits to El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.