When Marco Rubio embarks on his inaugural foreign trip as Secretary of State under Donald Trump's administration to Latin America this weekend, he will be entering a region grappling with the new administration's bold diplomatic strategies.
In the early days of Trump's second term, he reiterated his commitment to "curb mass migration" through actions like returning migrants in restraints, imposing severe sanctions, and engaging in disputes over deportee flights.
Rubio's initial destination in Panama City signifies a renewed emphasis by the Trump government on Latin America, aimed at countering China's expanding influence in the region and addressing migration issues. As the first Latino to hold the position of Secretary of State, Rubio has stressed the role of the State Department in supporting Trump's migration policies.
The administration's intensified deportation efforts, including military aircraft transport of migrants to Latin American nations like Guatemala, have created tensions in the region. Trump's swift use of tariffs, sanctions, and visa restrictions against Colombia underlines the administration's seriousness in tackling migration.
Expressing a desire to reinforce U.S. authority in the Western Hemisphere, Trump's controversial remarks regarding Greenland and the Panama Canal have stirred debate. Rubio, known for his hardline stance on Cuba and Venezuela policies, has actively contributed to reversing Obama-era policies towards Cuba and implementing harsh measures against Venezuela.
Rubio's visit may facilitate discussions on "third country" agreements for deportees and easing deportation processes, particularly in countries with strained relations with the U.S. Experts anticipate pressure on nations to accept deportees, given limited cooperation from Cuba and Venezuela.
During discussions in Panama, Trump's prior statements regarding the Panama Canal will likely loom large. Trump's concerns about Chinese involvement in the canal's operations remain a focal point for the administration.
At his recent Senate hearing, Rubio highlighted the potential threats posed by Chinese involvement in the canal's operations, suggesting this could jeopardize U.S. national security interests. Concerns about the canal's security have gained bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate.
Although Panama refutes claims of ceding control of the canal to China, Rubio's visit aims to address underlying concerns while seeking diplomatic solutions that align with Trump's agenda.
Amid accusations of imperialistic tendencies related to the canal and Greenland disputes, critics fear potential repercussions on global geopolitics, including encouraging actions by Russia and China. China's rising economic and diplomatic influence in Central America, as seen in Panama's shift in allegiance from Taiwan to mainland China, underscores broader geopolitical tensions.