Marco Rubio in Panama: changes are essential for the operation of the Panama Canal.

As stated by a representative of the State Department, Rubio pointed out that U.S. President Donald Trump has concluded that Chinese influence poses a threat to the operation of the Panama Canal.

The authorities of Panama deny that they have transferred control of the canal's operations to China. As noted by Reuters, the canal itself is managed by Panama. However, two ports on either side of the canal are operated by a company registered in Hong Kong, which has the status of a special administrative region of China. Several other ports are managed by companies from the U.S., Singapore, and Taiwan.

Before his trip, Rubio warned that China, which controls the port operator company, could block access to the canal in the event of a conflict. "If the Chinese government tells them to close the Panama Canal during a conflict, they will have to comply. And I actually have no doubt that they have contingency plans in place to do so. This is a direct threat," – quotes Rubio's words as reported by "Voice of America."

Some analysts warn that China is employing both economic and non-economic methods in the Western Hemisphere to expand its influence, raising national security concerns in the U.S.

Since his election as president, Trump has repeatedly stated that the U.S. intends to regain control over the canal. He has not specified what exactly he means by that. The Panama Canal area, constructed in the early 20th century, was under U.S. control for a long time but was fully transferred to Panama's jurisdiction in 1999.

The President of Panama stated after talks with Rubio that Panama's sovereignty over the canal should not be questioned. At the same time, he expressed readiness to cooperate with the U.S., particularly on the issue of returning illegal migrants—not only from Panama but also from neighboring countries. Panama serves as a transit country for migrants from South America attempting to reach the U.S.

During his tour of Central American countries, Rubio will visit El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic after Panama. According to U.S. Special Envoy for Latin America Mauricio Claver-Carone, this marks the first official visit by a Secretary of State to Latin America in the last 100 years. "Voice of America" notes that Rubio's visit is partly aimed at countering China's growing influence in the region. "Secretary Rubio's engagement with high-ranking officials and business leaders will promote regional cooperation on our core, common interests: ending illegal and large-scale migration, combating transnational criminal organizations and drug traffickers, countering China, and deepening economic partnerships to enhance prosperity in our hemisphere," – stated by State Department representative Tammy Bruce in a release published on Friday.