Panama president to withdraw from China amid Rubio meeting
On Sunday afternoon, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino announced that his country will be withdrawing from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which he described as predatory. This decision follows a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Rubio’s visit comes amid rising concerns, with former President Donald Trump signaling a willingness to use military force to reclaim control of the Panama Canal if the country does not fully regain control over its operations from China.
“One key decision I made, which I communicated to Secretary Rubio, is that my government will not renew the 2017 memorandum of understanding on the Silk Road, part of the Belt and Road Initiative,” Mulino confirmed. “That’s a done deal.”
He went on to explain, “We will explore the possibility of ending it sooner, though it’s up for renewal in a year or two, since it’s a three-year agreement.”
Mulino emphasized that the initiative will not be renewed under his leadership.
In return, Rubio expressed appreciation for Panama’s collaboration on a program aimed at repatriating illegal immigrants, which has helped reduce migration through the Darien Gap.
The two leaders also discussed creating a fairer business environment for U.S. companies and Mulino’s support for a democratic Venezuela.
“Secretary Rubio thanked President Mulino for the productive talks and highlighted the United States’ commitment to strengthening both nations' security and prosperity,” the statement concluded. “He noted that this meeting is an important step in revitalizing the U.S.-Panama strategic relationship, in alignment with President Trump’s vision.”
