The United States warns Panama to take “measures” if there are no “immediate changes” on the channel

The Secretary of State of the United States, Marco Rubiohe demanded the Panamanian president, José Raúl Mulinoduring 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.

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During the meeting, held at the Presidential Palace of Las Garzas, the head of American diplomacy transferred Mulino that the president of the United States, Donald Trump, has “made the preliminary determination that the current influence and control of the Chinese Communist Party on The Panama Canal area is a threat. “

According to USAthis supposed Chinese influence “represents a violation of the treaty related to permanent neutrality and the functioning of the Panama Canal.”

The meeting occurred in the midst of Trump’s threat to “recover” the American control of the Panama Canal for the alleged Chinese influence of the road, something that the Panamanian authorities deny.

In a solo press conference, Mulino revealed that the meeting was “highly respectful” and said that “Panama’s sovereignty is not in question.”

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• “There is no doubt that the channel is operated by our country and so it will continue,” 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.

Mulino said that 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.

The president said that it is the channel authorities that will have to give the relevant explanations to the Trump administration and, on the two ports of the channel operated by a Chinese company, he asked to wait for an audit that is underway.

“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 available to constitutional mandate, and not to his 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 legal conclusions and act in accordance,” he said.

According to the state department statement, immigration management was also addressed and Rubio thanked Mulino “for his support” in the migrant deportation flight program from Panama to their countries of origin, which is financed by Washington.

“The secretary also praised the regional leadership of President Mulino in support of a free and democratic Venezuela,” the note details.

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