7 hours Ago By Hannah Broughton
Donald Trump has again stated his desire to take back the Panama Canal, and this time it appears to be followed by a threat. President Trump warned of a “powerful” US action on Sunday, as the diplomatic dispute continues. Trump told reporters: "China is running the Panama Canal that was not given to China, that was given to Panama foolishly, but they violated the agreement, and we’re going to take it back, or something very powerful is going to happen.
" The stir caused by Trump’s repeated statements that he vows to retake control of the canal looked like it was easing off only hours earlier after Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panama’s President Raúl Mulino. During the meeting, Mulino reportedly did reassure Rubio that Panama’s sovereignty over the canal was not up for debate however he also said he had addressed the US’s concerns over Beijing’s suspected influence around the key waterway. Mulino said that Panama is not planning to renew a 2017 memorandum of understanding to join China’s overseas development initiative, known as the Belt and Road Initiative.
This suggests the Beijing deal may end early. He told reporters that Panama is seeking to work with the US on new investments and infrastructure projects, saying: "I think this visit opens the door to build new relations ..
. and try to increase as much as possible US investments in Panama." Mulino also said Sunday that he does not believe the US would use military force to retake the canal.
Panama authorities are carrying out an audit on a company linked to China that operates two terminals around the canal, according to Mulino. He said: "We have to wait until that audit ends before we can reach our legal conclusions and act accordingly." Mulino was also asked to clarify if migrants would come to Panama and then be transferred to their respective countries.
He said: "Yes. Exactly ..
. We can do that, without a problem, under the total cost of the US. Panama won’t invest a single dollar in it.
".
