Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks soon on his inaugural trip as the United States’ top diplomat. His first stop, Panama could prove to be the most contentious on the itinerary.

Panama has owned and administered the Panama Canal for nearly three decades. President Trump wants to change that to counter growing Chinese influence in Latin America.

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday ruled out negotiations with the United States over ownership of the Panama Canal as he prepares to host Donald Trump's Secretary of State Marco Rubio.Trump,

While repeating Trump’s lies about Panama, Senate leaders from both parties provide fraudulent justifications for a military intervention against the impoverished Central American country.

US senators heard sharply different analyses about Chinese influence over the Panama Canal on Wednesday, with some experts suggesting solutions ranging from enhanced trade partnerships to military intervention to regain control of the strategic waterway.

Trump's canal claims would undermine U.S.-Panama relations, boost China's influence, and revive regional tensions, harming both countries' interests, two experts argued

Panama President José Raúl Mulino says there will be no negotiation with the United States over ownership of the Panama Canal

Rubio departs on Saturday on his first foreign trip, and will visit the canal and meet Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, the first talks between the countries since President Donald Trump’s threat to take control of the canal.

Panama City, Panama - January 29, 2025 Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino reiterated this Wednesday that the canal "is and will continue to be Panama's," amid tensions over threats from President Donald Trump to "recover" the interoceanic waterway.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserts that President Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland and reasserting control over the Panama Canal stems from legitimate national security threats posed by China’s growing influence in these strategic areas.

The White House press secretary said the president would move forward with levies on America’s largest trading partners on Saturday.