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
WEEK #3! WOW!
Thank you God Almighty!
For everything.
One of my favorite verses:
For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen. Rom. 11:36 NLT
Right on Peter! We especially thank God for his Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
Now that’s respect for the Trump administration.
And respect for the American people Liqueda…everyone knows America is united right now and that it would not be wise to get us mad.
President Trump exceeds all the wining we could ever imagine. And it’s only week 3. Thank you, Jesus!!!!!
I also get the sense he’s showing his incredible gratitude to the Lord for preserving his life. That kind of gratitude goes deep in your soul. He knows that to whom much is given, much is required. He’s not a coward and knows that when the Lord puts you in a position to do good for others, You do it.
The Trump Canal.
or… Canal of America…Gulf of America…..
How about “America’s Canal”
It’s these inner workings that won’t make the headlines. The real goal was to dislodge China from owning or at least “influencing” a strategic part of real estate in our neck of the woods. Every President should make a commitment to make sure that this canal remains neutral for many years (decades, even) to come. Well done, Mr President.
How about the canal remains neutral PERMANENTLY?
Awesome news! Great job PDJT!! Now do Greenland, Not tired of winning yet!
While non-renewal of the BRI certainly was the apparent intended goal, bringing Panama back into Western-focused ideologies, and halting the flow of migrants seems to be more of the actual goal. Methinks that there was even more to this, but my crystal ball isn’t seeing it quite clearly yet.
Many corrupt federal agencies and equally corrupt countries are finding out. There is no future if they have to FAFO. The games are over, MAGA is now in charge.
Love how smart this move is and how after all the bluster in the press; it is nicely settled. Get out of the belt and road is the message for any trading partner in the world.
It absolutely kills the corrupt MSM to have to report even the barest of info on this victory.
Or ANY victory!
My prayer is that whoever is going to be given the mantel of MAGA leadership in January 2029 is learning well and taking good notes. Looking primarily at you, JD, but won’t hesitate to entertain others.
At any rate, lots more things to get done between now and then….may God guide this ship of state of ours, as well as protect and guide PDJT, his family, his cabinet and their families.
The USA is back!
FAFO, says it perfectly.
And the hits keep on coming. There is still a hard road ahead but boy, this sure does feel good.
ChiComs now be big mad
Too bad. Should have checked US law on renting a property with a prior lien in effect.
Not to mention the communists in American government….
Nah, they will just change route
China has a massive demographics problem. And economically the forecast is an ugly picture
They are a parasite culture of other national resources and Trump is set to begin the momentum to starve them of our science/university/treasonous intelligence leaking/agriculture/manufacturing.
As all the climate pacts are exposed as having given the most climate decimating nation a pass, based on the false label of it being a developing 3rd world nation, that will be a Public Relations nightmare for them.
China has allowed incredible pollution of its actual land. That is why they want to move here.
I worked with a quality engineer who travelled often to China to review the castings being poured at different Chinese foundries.
The air quality in the various cities was so bad it ruined his health. His doctor told him to stop going and he never went back and retired.
Aren’t we lucky to be able to buy all those things and breathe clean air while they die making them!
Oh yeah, that’s right! Oh, THAT’S gonna hurt!
“We can be your best friend or your worst enemy. You decide.”
Panama needs to quit charging the US for our ships going through the canal.
Agree. At least our military ships which helps keep Panama safe under the Monroe Doctrine.
Aa I understand it, merchant ships from all countries pay the same rates. US ships are about 73% of traffic. If they were free then the canal would be unable to operate.
USN ships already transit at no charge.
I’d be willing to bet that the operation costs would be significantly less without the corruption factor involved. Central American socialist leaders rarely get rich off of honest living
Very few people do.
Not exactly correct. From the Senate hearing:
“Meanwhile, the high fees for canal transit disproportionately affect Americans, because U.S. cargo accounts for nearly three-quarters of canal transits. U.S. Navy vessels pay additional fees that apply only to warships. Canal profits regularly exceed $3billion. This money comes from both American taxpayers and consumers in the form of higher costs for goods. American tourists aboard cruises, particularly those in the Caribbean Sea, are essentially captive to any fees Panama chooses to levy for canal transits, and they have paid unfair prices for fuel bunkering at terminals in Panama as a result of a government-granted monopoly.
This is the kind thing that happens when the U.S. projects strength instead of I’m-okay-you’re-okay foreign policy that has plagued us for decades. The nations of the world want (and need) a strong leader to follow.
Imagine how different the world would be had PDJT45 not been hamstrung by constant lawfare and the treasonous dogs in the various federal agencies working against him.
The only thing the Chinese have that qualifies them to be a world power is nuclear weapons. Other than that, they are a regional bully, at best.
Secretary Rubio, good job. Take your win for supporting MAGA. Please continue.
I was not a supporter of Rubio because he’s a neocon, BUT Trump has him on a leash and he speaks Spanish. Key person going forward. Good choice so far.
The wisdom of PDT’s choice is now seen.
Now that would be a win.
Thank you for attending the ASEAN summit. Your boots on the ground are very important and much appreciated. Your analysis and perspective matter. Thank you very much for all your hard work. You are a valuable Patriot.
I respect how PDJT is concentrating first on the Western Hemisphere – Canada, Mexico, Greenland, Panama – addressing areas of geopolitical and geoeconomic neglect that have been allowed to persist for far too long.
Agreed!
You seem to have missed his discussions in the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine, as well as stopping all funds to South Africa. Oh wait, I seem to recall a bombing run on bad guys hiding in caves in Somalia…
PDJT is focused across the globe and it’s brilliant! Real leadership!
Glad he was able to see clearly and read between the lines. Would love to have been a fly on the wall, but at least he got the point. Now to kick China out of their port command post and let the US continue to manage the free flow through the canal for all nations.
Yeah, maybe…
Sundance, I am interested in your trip to the ASEAN summit. Were you a delegate from the US? Did you attend as media? Could you give a synopsis of the events you attended there, your impressions of the summit, and policy outcomes that you felt were important. Thank you.
Now I think we understand the X post of that incredible marine laser light show!
Son of gun! Rubio did something. Gracias. I wonder what the US gave in return.
PDJT presents the stick & Panama opts for the carrot. Good choice.
More winnamins please!
What we see are the result of 4 years of planning…the left and corrupt never imagined how deep and wide…
NO MERCY!
Praise Jesus, I give you an Amen on that!
“Will not renew” Sounds like kicking the can to 2026 and making it a mid-term issue. If Belt and Road violates the Carter fiasco, it cannot stand today.
Good point John
But check out Sundance’s
post at 10:33
Scroll up a lil
Sundance covers all the bases
Stopping it prior expiration
If?
There still remains the “little” issue of the high fees charged by the corrupt Panamanian Government for American commercial and military ships traversing the canal. I think that issue will be resolved shortly.
USN transit at no charge. All merchant ships are charged the same from the same tariff table.
Reminds me when I visited a hospital when ill in China. The required fee on entrance was extremely low. When seen by a doctor, he demanded a bribe in cash for his personal care. That is how China works.
Rubio going south of the Border first underscores the value we place on that region. He has handled this canal situation with tact and finesse and achieved a lot. The fact that he speaks fluent Spanish can’t hurt, either.
Thank you Sundance for this info
I haven’t seen anything that comes close to this in-depth report
Thank you
☘️
Very proud of Li’l Marc0.
I noticed Marco was taller than most of the Panama contingent.
And please continue praying for the Lord’s grace and mercy on our nation. Satan and his minions are relentless. They “steal, kill and destroy” as a fulltime career.
Rubio was merely Tom Hagen here.
Panama fears the severed horse head that PDJT would deliver if they didn’t accept Rubio’s offer.
Best movie ever. Watched it again last night in fact. Godfather II on tap for tonight.
It’s a rare sequel that’s better than the original. Godfather II just might have accomplished that. Both movies are classics.
President Trump made Mulino an offer he couldn’t refuse.
Disclaimer-No horses were hurt during the course of these negotiations.
Mulino advised that he would not renew the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative….which renewal is dated two years in the future. So, let’s see what changes are made regarding the Panama Canal (and Darien Gap) NOW.
Now we need to get China ownership/management out of American ports.
And off of our farmland, and land near military bases. Bring over the South African Boers and let them farm the land.
I agree! I think a lot of people miss this point. That was (IMO) the big reason PDJT fought for the Long Shoremen union. If all of those ports – most of which are no longer owned by the USA, many owned by China (BTW – how did we let that happen??), automate – our fellow Americans lose jobs and the US gains nothing by the automation. It is a lose-lose proposition.
And it’s a national security issue, with push button automation directly controlling our incoming resources via CCP mandarins in Beijing.
Agreed!
The dominos which shriekers announce are held in place with gorilla glue are falling one by one.
Witness Venezuela and Colombia loudly proclaiming they will absolutely not take back their people now being deported by the US…then folding within a littoe more than 24 hours later.
See Greenland. President says he wants to buy it. Ridicule ensues. Now? No less a name than that of the oily Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General is chastening Denmark to engage in negotiations.
President Trump announces tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China effective Saturday. Today he is taking calls from the first two (both no doubt understanding he has them over a very big barrel), and China which is hastily preparing for trade talks with the US.
And now this…a blustering Panamanian president who recently said he would not acquiesce to President Trump’s demands has folded accordian-like in record time.
Would any of the astounding occurrences across the whole landscape of this new Trumpian dawn have happened if corrupt forces had been unsuccessful in their stealing of the 2020 election?
Somehow I think not.
Mountains are being moved. I can put it no other way. Our mustard seeds have born glorious fruit. We know Who to thank for all of this magnificence.
God is in His heaven, His warrior chosen long ago, and His judgment on our fallen, morally bankrupt Republic has been suspended it seems…a reprieve.
This morning…a clear, Spring-like day…I went outside and heard the songs of more birds than I’ve heard in a long, long time piercing the skies. Whenever I hear them I can’t help but believe they are praising their Creator. Which is what I am doing now.
Glory to God in the Highest for His mercies which He has bestowed and for the blessing to us in the form of our courageous, resolute President, Donald John Trump. May the good Lord guide and protect him as he continues to follow through on the promises he made to us from the beginning…and for the honour of our Creator Who has empowered him 🙏🏻
Can’t wait to see what next!!!
Off for more ☕ ☕ ☕ and a refill of Winnamins!! WOO HOO!! 🇺🇸
Put the winnamins
In the cup of Java
Stir well
Enjoy
☘️
I can always count on you, dearest Mo, to supply fine food and drink. You learned from the best…I’ll do just that 😘
Love you Bets
☘️
I love you, too, dear, dear Mo …
Panama, like all the rest of us and our various societies…have aged and have ‘newbies’ too…the treaty was long ago, effected 10/1/79…..some of their people are now older, and some cannot remember the US influence in the Canal and Canal Zone as they weren’t born yet…
It will be interesting, to say the least.
All the more reason to amplify the teaching of American history in our schools, girl.
I know, I know…fat chance.
(I always think it interesting that Russians are diligent in teaching theirs to their young. A veneration and respect for what others endured and built.)
Homeschool!
Not all can, thanks to two parents having to work and all day or after school childcare so expensive…just as every democrat president from LBJ onward planned and sustained. Gotta disrupt the nuclear family, the scourge of a Christian nation, doncha know…get mothers out of the house and fathers far removed as moral heads of their families.
We definitely need to work on that.
But where possible, yes, Guest. Absolutely.
I suspect President Trump has had conversations with Linda McMahon, his Education nominee already.
And just like that…
Well, well, well 😎
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/trade-war-over-mexican-president-says-tariffs-delayed-month-after-deploying-10000-troops
Now, we need Trump to kick the Chinese out of our country by making it illegal for foreign countries to own real estate, farmland, etc. It should also be illegal for foreign “governments” to own businesses/corporations here, including by shell corporations owned/controlled by such governments.
Couldn’t agree more
Not to mention politicians!
Brilliant attention to detail, Sundance.
It appears that Lil’ Marcos team accidentally or purposefully allowed the…
Photographic message received; or the one-time Rubio needed to be shorter, you decide.
Panama anal 😝
.
Now ban China from owning U.S. land and infrastructure.
.
Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
Do it
☘️
For sure
☘️
This is a terrific photo at an amazing spot in the world, the Miraflores Locks (est. 1913). I grew up in the Canal Zone in the 1970s. It was a special place and tens of 1000s of Americas used to live there and love Panama and its people. Canal Zone residents are dying and nobody seems to even know what had there. I do. We gave away too much.
We just didn’t give away Panama the canal. We gave them a city of homes, apartments, barracks, schools, hospitals, roads, water systems, warehouses, retail stores (px), air fields, dry docks, gyms, etc etc. that US ex pats and military lived in FOR FREE. To turn around and let China in is a CRIME.
Howdy, hg…you might have been my neighbor in Gamboa or Ancon? BHS 76!
No we did not live for free…housing allotment/fee and electric bill came out of Dad’s paycheck via payroll deduction.
We gave them swimming pools, golf courses and two huge hospitals…and a railroad, which my FIL ran….
No, most will never understand…may the Chagres River Blessing follow you always!
Aggiegirl… OMG so nice to meet you online.
I was little boy… k through 2nd grade (1973-1976). Went to Corundu Elementary School. Lived in Fort Clayton. Best years of my father’s career. He and my mom loved the experience and so did I. I love Panama and go back frequently on vacation (went their post Christmas last 2 years in a row). The old historic city which was a slum when we were kids has been gentrified and its fantastic. The country is beautiful and the new/modern Panama city has an incredible skyline of buildings. So glad we are taking action in Panama.
All the wealthy and upper middle class Panamanians send their kids to college in the USA.. they know what’s best…they will understand the attitude adjustment from Trump. We can’t lose this gem of a place to the anybody.
Peace,
HG
Base housing was less expensive than local at least in the US but not ‘free’.
we gave it all to Panama for free— was my point
Mexico…..crying uncle?
Updated 15 mins ago –Business
Trump, Sheinbaum agree to pause U.S.-Mexico tariffs for a month
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/03/trump-tariffs-mexico-deal
Trump has done a root canal on jose without him getting numb tongue.
He has bolted out of the chair snd spoken.
Now get our ports back. Ownership by China is also part of the belt and road system.
everyone is dreaming if they think that this is not just a minor bump in the road for the Chinese
When did you change your online name? I thought it was Pierre Delecto.
Okay, doomer.
Very little details on what the actual concerns are.
Based on what got put out there in public AFAIK there never was priority treatment between any ships.
Or any “bad treatment” towards US ships.
(Also detail most ships do not sail under the banner of their nation, but under flag of Panama and other tax / shipping friendly countries.. So it becomes very hard to see “on the surface” what is a “Chinese” ship and what is a “Italian” ship etc. Most ships would also sail with international crew.
At one point Trump mentioned “China [operating the canal] has strategic insight into all US ships..”
I am looking for info that that is true, but it seems China is just operating some port infrastructure? Any insights on what China actually controls in Panama?
But even if true – such ship intelligence – would be nothing that would not already be obtained by Drones and Satellites?
China does not need to be at the control tower of the Canal to see a giant aircraft carrier sail trough?
Consider that the Panamanian President just promised to end the MOU with China’s Belt & Road initiative as evidence that China was in control of the canal. Also, they have ports at both ends and per someone who went there recently, the entire surrounding area is nothing but Chinese people and stores.
Now, consider that the CCP is an enemy of the USA, that they are showing up all over the south American states with their “belt and road” infrastructure projects… and all the land they have purchased in the USA close by US military installations… then add in the spy balloon recently allowed to traverse the USA… their satellite programs etc etc etc….
Oh, and don’t forget that if they control the Panama Canal, our navy vessels traverse that canal as well as 73% of commercial shipping headed for the US… what would happen if China decides to shut it all down?
It is a big deal.
I hope Trump will put an end to Vietnam shipping their polluted fake ‘catfish’ to the US where many restaurants serve it as catfish even though it is illegal to call it catfish. The correct name is swai or basa, it is not catfish. Ok, rant over.
As I sit here watching the brilliant blue sky being obliterated by criss crossing streaks from planes I hope that PDJT puts an end to these chem trails and whatever it is they are releasing . Rant over as well.
Rename it to “The America Canal”.
Mexico just folded over the tariffs
“I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States. These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl, and illegal migrants into our Country. We further agreed to immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one month period during which we will have negotiations headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and high-level Representatives of Mexico. I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a “deal” between our two Countries.”
Anyone else notice a pattern here? The Trump Administration is clearly making the securing of the Western Hemisphere a priority. I imagine straightening out Europe is next on the docket, followed by Eastern Asia.
I sure hope the deal is performance based. Like for every 10lbs of fentanyl that makes over the boarder, Tariffs up by 1% until a full month of no fentanyl.. for every 10 illegals, tariffs up by 1% until a full month of no illegals… or some such.
Canada on the other hand, would like a few more hits with the belt.
As they boast about hurting Elon Musk … via X. Dumb Canadians.
Lol. What a weenie
Deleted.
This post is not coming from an official account of Doug Ford .
HAHAHA!!!
Can I have another please !