Marco Rubio Embarks on Visit to Panama to Advance Trump’s ‘Golden Age’ Geopolitical Agenda

Marco Rubio Embarks on Visit to Panama to Advance Trump’s ‘Golden Age’ Geopolitical Agenda

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to begin his first overseas trip as the United States’ top diplomat. Starting Saturday, his six-day journey will begin in Panama, where he aims to promote President Donald Trump’s geopolitical vision for Latin America.

In his inaugural address, Trump expressed a desire to ‘take back’ the Panama Canal. During a recent briefing, Special Envoy for Latin America, Mauricio Claver-Carone, emphasized that the primary purpose of Rubio’s trip is to re-establish a ‘Golden Age’ for America.

“This trip signifies… that era of American greatness and the Golden Age,” Claver-Carone stated. He added, “The 21st century will also be an American century.” This statement underscores the administration’s commitment to reinforcing U.S. influence in Latin America.

Historic Nature of the Trip

Claver-Carone highlighted that this trip marks the first occasion in over a century that a secretary of state has made Latin America their first official visit abroad. The last such visit occurred in 1912, when Secretary of State Philander Chase Knox traveled to Panama to oversee the completion of the Panama Canal’s construction.

Claver-Carone noted, “What a great message to harken back to that Golden Age of the Americas, as President Trump himself has mentioned.” This statement aims to resonate with both history and contemporary geopolitical ambitions.

Key Discussions on Migration and Security

During his visit, Rubio is scheduled to meet with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. Their discussions will likely focus on several critical issues, including migration, combating drug trafficking, and addressing Chinese influence in the Panama Canal.

Both Rubio and Trump assert that Chinese companies dominate operations at both ends of the crucial waterway. They argue that the tight control exercised by the Chinese Communist Party over these companies poses a severe security threat, potentially jeopardizing U.S. trade by interfering with canal operations.

Chinese Influence and Panama’s Response

President Mulino has publicly denied any claims of Chinese influence over the Panama Canal’s operations. During a press conference, he refuted suggestions that he would negotiate ownership of the canal with Rubio.

“It’s impossible, I can’t negotiate,” Mulino remarked, referring to the ownership. He affirmed, “The canal belongs to Panama,” emphasizing the nation’s control over the waterway.

This misunderstanding regarding the canal’s control stems from previous diplomatic changes. Mulino’s predecessor severed ties with Taiwan and established relations with Beijing in 2017, allowing a Hong Kong consortium to operate ports adjacent to the canal. However, the Panama government maintains that it retains full control.

Broader Regional Concerns

Claver-Carone also underscored the extensive power held by Chinese enterprises, asserting they influence sectors such as logistics, telecommunications, and infrastructure throughout Panama. This situation presents not only a risk to U.S. interests but also poses potential national security threats to Panama and the broader Western Hemisphere.

Beyond Panama, Rubio plans to continue his trip to El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. He will meet with the leaders of these nations to address pressing concerns, including gang violence, migration, and drug trafficking.

In summary, Rubio’s trip represents a significant effort to reinforce America’s geopolitical presence in Latin America while tackling challenges posed by foreign influences and regional instability.