U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Panama's decision to let its participation in China's global infrastructure plan expire, describing it as "a great step forward" for its relationship with the United States. This move to distance from China's Belt and Road Initiative aligns with U.S. concerns regarding Beijing's strategic influences worldwide.
During his recent visit to Panama, Rubio leveraged his role to urge Panama to reconsider its connections with China. Following discussions with Rubio, Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino indicated a possible early termination of their involvement in the Chinese initiative without specifying a timeline.
Rubio highlighted this development in a tweet after leaving Panama as a significant advancement for U.S.-Panama relations and national security interests. Panama originally endorsed China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2017, but reevaluated its stance amidst growing concerns over financial implications and debt issues faced by partner nations.
China strongly rebutted criticisms of its infrastructure projects and denounced the U.S.-led campaign against the Belt and Road Initiative as unfounded. Despite China's defense, several nations have withdrawn from the project, with Italy being the latest in 2023 under U.S. pressure.
Further discussions revolve around the operation of strategic assets in Panama, including concerns about China's presence in the Panama Canal. Reviews and audits are being considered to address these issues, with implications for future agreements involving companies like CK Hutchison Holdings and the United States' interests in the region.
Rubio expressed optimism about the outcomes of his diplomatic efforts in Panama, stressing the importance of maintaining positive relations with the country. President Trump also indicated plans for discussions with Panamanian officials, underscoring the significance of the situation in Panama for U.S. foreign policy.