Knowing the severe ramifications likely and taking a proactive approach toward root-cause analysis, CTH attended the ASEAN summit to gauge how Asia was likely to respond to Trump term-2 and the looming possibility of a severe nationalist approach toward a renewal of USA manufacturing. The untangling of the Beijing Belt & Road initiative was a key topic of interest noted. [Watch Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.]
Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Panama this weekend to express the position of President Donald Trump as it pertains to Chinese influence over the maritime transit gateway known as the Panama Canal. Following the meeting with President José Raúl Mulino, the government of Panama has announced they will no longer support China’s Belt & Road initiative.
Photographic message received; or the one-time Rubio needed to be shorter, you decide.
STATE DEPT – Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha today in Panama City to address critical regional and global challenges. Secretary Rubio informed President Mulino and Minister Martínez-Acha that President 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 and represents a violation of the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. Secretary Rubio made clear that this status quo is unacceptable and that absent immediate changes, it would require the United States to take measures necessary to protect its rights under the Treaty.
Secretary Rubio also emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to end the hemisphere’s illegal migration crisis and thanked President Mulino for his support of a joint repatriation program, which has reduced illegal migration through the Darien Gap. The Secretary underscored the desire for an improved investment climate and ensuring a level playing field for fair competition by U.S. firms. The Secretary also praised President Mulino’s regional leadership in support of a democratic, free Venezuela.
Secretary Rubio expressed his gratitude for the productive discussion and underscored the United States’ dedication to making both nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous. He noted this meeting marks an important step in reinvigorating the strategic relationship between the United States and Panama, in line with President Trump’s vision. (link)
At the conclusion of the meeting, western media report:
WASHINGTON DC – The President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, declared that the country will not renew the memorandum with China concerning the “Belt and Road Initiative.” This decision was made after discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to “Kommersant,” Mulino stressed that Rubio did not threaten to use force or a takeover of the Panama Canal.
During the talks, remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump were mentioned, in which he stated that China’s presence in the region violates the 1999 agreement on the transfer of the Panama Canal. Trump assured that addressing this issue does not necessitate U.S. military intervention.
The Chinese “Belt and Road Initiative” is a strategy for developing logistics and trade. 149 countries have joined the initiative. Panama signed a memorandum in 2017, which was renewed every three years. Panama’s decision marks the end of its cooperation with this project. (more)
Enjoy your day and please, do not forget to eat your winnamins.
FAFO ~ 47
Looks like Rubio is doing a decent job. I’m sure he’s on a short leash, but probably sees, first hand, how effective Trump’s presence is affecting these leaders toeing-the-line.
The vacuum of leadership has ended. Maybe the despicable reign of gangsterism will end.
Sounds like and tell me if I’m wrong –
Rubio is doing a great MAGA job
so far so good but Pompeo started out doing a good job too.
Isn’t it fantastic to have a President who is ready, willing, and able to do what is right for our Republic? The world is taking notice. America is back; President Trump will not play games; he’s serious and will do what is right for our Republic. This makes my heart sing!
Have to admit that I don’t get the comment about Rubio needing to be shorter. What am I missing?
Read the sign that is just behind Rubio’s head, about the (c)anal…
ha thanks
I predict that the USA becomes the defacto “sovereign owner” of the Panama Canal, with Panama’s support, even if it’s the Panamanian flag flying over the Canal. That’s because Trump will ram through an expansion of the canal, with US financial via long term loans, and with US technical support and labor. The canal expansion and modernization is a strategic initiative, that Panama can’t achieve on it’s own. China’s control only prevented such improvements, thereby hamstringing the US Navy and US controlled shipping.
Trump Doctrine: No Asian (China) Colonialism in the Western Hemisphere.
It may be an impeachable offense for Rubio to cause Panama to cancel a deal with China. Jamie Raskin, call your office.
You know, I think I heard some Canadian voice flowing through the air southward here in Ohio yelling to Panama something about, “Hey, don’t mess with the US on this, Big DON means business this time.” Hahahahaha….
An example of the use of real power for the betterment of all. President. Trump strongly encourages these countries to to do what he wants with carrots while the big stick is still in the closet.
Ben Bergquam in Panama (nest of illegal immigration ngo groups): https://rumble.com/v2iqvya-ben-bergquam-exposes-un-aiding-southern-border-crossings.html
I posted a better video a few months ago with Ben regarding the Canal Zone, but can’t seem to find it. Anyway, just a thought – Panama has only 4.5 million residents. Perhaps kick out the 50 million illegals in the USA and make Panama a state? We can probably easily absorb this relatively small number of residents. Afterwards, make Panama the legal immigration “state” that processes any one that wants to claim asylum from other countries.
Note to SD: I notice if I use my mobile phone to read the CTH, a link does appear for contributions without using paypal. The problem is the payment system asks for fingerprint ID. Is there an easier way to make a donation without all this tech b.s.?
“or the one-time Rubio needed to be shorter”
🤪 I saw what you did there!
What Rubio and Trump are doing is fantastic. We do need to remember that Panama people and leadership love the U.S. and that they are not our enemy. This is according to Michael Yon, who has spent months in Panama and in the Darien gap. He has taken 50 to 60 people down there, including two congresssmen and many journalists we all know. if people are not following him, they should. he is on twitter and on substack and he knows this subject well. He says we need to defund the United Nations, and I agree.
Has Marco had a ‘Come to Jesus’ moment, or will he morph into the fox in the hen house?
Asking for a lot of criminal
Congress crittersfriends…If there’s one thing that has never been in doubt about Rubio, it’s how he feels about communists.
Again. It sounds like a wait 4 years until Trump is gone operation.
If Panama is not in US hands, it will simply not control it.
Love it!!
China controls our largest ports. Let’s address that!
Now we all know why he picked Rubio. Seemed like an odd choice at first but now these Latin countries are at our back door we need them MAGA not communists!! Rubio speaks there language and Trump wants Latin America to change!