U.S. top diplomat Marco Rubio warned Panama to immediately take steps to address U.S. concerns over Chinese businesses operating ports near the canal, which President Donald Trump has said represent a threat to U.S. national security, APA reports citing Reuters.
The U.S. and Panama made progress on key migration and business issues during Rubio's visit in Panama City, but failed to find common ground over the Panama Canal's operations, with President Jose Mulino saying his country's sovereignty over the world's second busiest waterway is not up for discussion.
"Trump has made a preliminary determination that the current position of influence and control of the Chinese Communist Party over the Panama Canal area is a threat to the canal," said U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
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