Secretary of State Marco Rubio Embarks on First Foreign Trip
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will embark on his first foreign trip this weekend, heading to Central America to press President Donald Trump’s top priority – curbing illegal immigration – and bring the message that the US wants to reclaim control over the Panama Canal despite intense resistance from regional leaders.
It’s an unusual destination for the maiden voyage of America’s top diplomat, whose predecessors have generally favored Europe or Asia for their initial outings. It reflects not only the personal interest that Rubio, the first Hispanic to hold the nation’s most senior Cabinet post, has in the region but also the Trump administration’s intent to focus much of its foreign policy energy close to home.
Limiting immigration and fighting narcotics smuggling are major elements of that effort, but another key priority will be curbing China’s growing influence in the Western Hemisphere, topped by reasserting US control over the Panama Canal. The American-built canal was turned over to the Panamanians in 1999, and they object strongly to Trump’s demand to hand it back.
Mass migration, drugs, and hostile policies pursued by Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have wreaked havoc, Rubio said. "All the while, the Chinese Communist Party uses diplomatic and economic leverage – such as at the Panama Canal – to oppose the US and turn sovereign nations into vassal states."
Rubio’s first stop on the five-nation tour Saturday will be Panama, whose president, José Raúl Mulino, says there will be no negotiation with the United States over ownership of the canal. He said he hoped Rubio’s visit would focus on shared interests like migration and combating drug trafficking.
"It’s impossible, I can’t negotiate," Mulino said. "The canal belongs to Panama."
Yet Rubio said he will make clear Trump’s intent. In an interview Thursday with SiriusXM host Megyn Kelly, he said Trump’s desire to retake control of the Panama Canal is driven by legitimate national security interests stemming from growing concerns about Chinese activity and influence in Latin America.
"We’re going to address that topic," he said. "The president’s been pretty clear he wants to administer the canal again. Obviously, the Panamanians are not big fans of that idea. That message has been brought very clear."
Chinese investments in ports and other infrastructure and facilities at both the Pacific and Caribbean ends of the canal are a cause for major concern, leaving Panama and the critical shipping route vulnerable to China, he said. "If China wanted to obstruct traffic in the Panama Canal, they could," and that would be a violation of the 1977 treaty signed by former President Jimmy Carter under which the US later ceded control.
Despite Mulino’s rejection of any negotiation over ownership, some believe Panama may be open to a compromise under which canal operations on both sides are taken away from the Hong Kong-based Hutchison Ports company that was given a 25-year no-bid extension to run them. An audit into the suitability of that extension is already under way and could lead to a rebidding process.
What is unclear is whether Trump would accept the transfer of the concession to an American or European firm as meeting his demands, which appear to cover more than just operations.
Conclusion
The upcoming trip by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Central America highlights the Trump administration’s focus on curbing illegal immigration and combating Chinese influence in the region. Rubio’s efforts to reclaim control over the Panama Canal, a key shipping route, are met with resistance from regional leaders, who are concerned about the potential impact on their sovereignty and economic interests.
FAQs
Q: Why is the US pushing for control over the Panama Canal?
A: The US wants to reassert its control over the Panama Canal to ensure the security and stability of the region.
Q: Why is China’s influence in the region a concern for the US?
A: China’s growing influence in Latin America poses a threat to US national security and economic interests.
Q: What is the US’s stance on immigration in the region?
A: The US is committed to curbing illegal immigration and addressing the root causes of migration in the region.
Q: How does the US plan to address the issue of Chinese influence in the region?
A: The US will work with regional leaders to promote cooperation and address concerns about Chinese influence in the region.