Panama Promises to End Belt and Road Initiative Deal With China

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino promised not to renew an agreement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (bri) after meeting with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Panama on Sunday.

Talks: In his first international trip as secretary of State, Rubio warned Mulino the U.S. would “take measures necessary” if Panama did not immediately work to end China’s control over the Panama Canal.

Even before taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump pressured Panama to end its cooperation with China and demanded that the Panama Canal be returned to U.S. control.

Belt and Road: In 2017, Panama signed a memorandum with China to join the bri. However, this violates the 1999 Panama Canal Treaty, which states the U.S. would recognize Panama’s sovereignty if the canal remained permanently neutral.

After the meeting on Sunday, Mulino said he would not renew the agreement with China and may look into an early withdrawal, adding that Rubio’s visit “paves the way for building a new stage of relationships” and “increase U.S. investments in Panama.”

China’s roots: Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry has been warning about the threat of China’s presence in Panama and its inroads into Latin America. Mr. Flurry has based his warnings off Bible prophecy.

President Trump’s aggressive efforts to take back control of this significant sea gate spotlight just how dangerous China’s influence has become.

Learn more: Read “The Panama Canal: the Sea Gate America ‘Sold for a Dollar.’