The impending visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Panama has been preempted by a firm declaration from Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, stating unequivocally that the sovereignty of the Panama Canal is non-negotiable. Mulino’s statement serves as a direct rebuttal to US President Donald Trump’s repeated and unsubstantiated claims that the US should reclaim control of the vital waterway, a critical artery of global trade connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Trump’s rhetoric has escalated to the point of suggesting military intervention as a potential means of regaining control, a prospect that has understandably raised concerns in Panama and the international community.
The historical context of the Panama Canal adds another layer of complexity to this brewing diplomatic tension. The US played a significant role in the canal’s construction, completing it in 1914 and maintaining control for decades. However, a landmark treaty signed in 1977 paved the way for the complete transfer of control to Panama, which culminated in 1999. This handover marked a pivotal moment in Panamanian history, symbolizing the country’s full sovereignty and control over its own territory and resources. Trump’s assertions, therefore, not only challenge Panama’s current authority but also disregard a significant historical agreement between the two nations.
Trump’s rationale for reclaiming the canal rests on two main allegations: that Panama is overcharging US vessels using the canal, including US Navy ships, and that China is operating the canal, a claim that is demonstrably false. The Panama Canal Authority, the Panamanian agency responsible for the canal’s management and operations, has refuted these accusations, emphasizing that the canal generated substantial revenue last year, nearly $5 billion, and operates under Panamanian control. Mulino has echoed this position, stating that Panama has received no information regarding any alleged Chinese military presence in the canal zone.
Mulino’s proactive stance ahead of Rubio’s visit underscores Panama’s determination to protect its sovereignty and maintain control over the Panama Canal. He has made it clear that the canal’s ownership is not up for discussion, effectively shutting down any potential attempt by the US to renegotiate the existing treaty. This firm position sets the stage for what could be a tense diplomatic encounter between Rubio and Panamanian officials.
While the issue of the canal’s control dominates the headlines, Mulino has indicated that other important matters are also on the agenda for discussion with Rubio. These include regional challenges such as migration and drug trafficking, issues that require collaborative efforts between the US and Panama. Panama’s geographical location, bordering Colombia at the southern tip of Central America, makes it a transit point for migrants traveling north towards the US border. The two countries also share a history of cooperation and conflict in combating drug trafficking, a legacy marked by the US invasion of Panama in 1989 to oust then-President Manuel Noriega, who was accused of drug trafficking.
The upcoming meeting between Rubio and Panamanian officials carries significant weight, representing a crucial moment in US-Panama relations. The US government’s stance on the Panama Canal, fueled by Trump’s unsubstantiated claims and aggressive rhetoric, has created a diplomatic rift. Mulino’s firm stance on the canal’s sovereignty sets a clear boundary for the discussions, highlighting Panama’s resolve to protect its national interests. The meeting will be a test of diplomatic skills and could significantly impact the future trajectory of the relationship between the two countries. It remains to be seen whether the two sides can find common ground on issues of mutual concern while respecting Panama’s sovereignty over the strategically important Panama Canal.
