The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, visited Panama on the weekend to put pressure on the country over how it runs the canal and its ties with China. Andrew Roth reports
“China is operating the Panama canal and we didn’t give it to China, we gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.”
Donald Trump’s claim in his inauguration speech that Panama had “broken its promises” to the US was alarming for many Panamanians. Washington relinquished control of the canal in 1977, so why is Trump pressing the issue now?
About Author
More Stories
Albanese and Coalition continue to back two-state solution despite Trump’s vow to ‘take over’ Gaza Strip
Māori protesters turn their backs on government ministers at Waitangi Day event
‘Everyone is on tenterhooks’: Santorini streets empty after days of tremors