Embarking on his first international trip as the nation’s top diplomat, Marco Rubio begins a six-day tour in Panama on Saturday, aiming to advance President Donald Trump’s foreign policy objectives.
Trump’s inaugural address included a pledge to regain control of the Panama Canal, and Special Envoy for Latin America Mauricio Claver-Carone stated in a Friday press briefing that this trip signifies the start of a new “Golden Age” for America.
“This trip represents… that era of American greatness and the Golden Age,” he said, predicting that “the 21st century will also be an American century.”
Claver-Carone highlighted the historical significance of Rubio’s visit, noting that it’s the first time in over a century a Secretary of State’s inaugural international trip has been to Latin America.
“The last time that happened, I believe, was in 1912, when Philander Chase Knox went to Panama… to oversee the completion of the Panama Canal’s construction and operations,” he told reporters. “What a powerful symbol to revisit that Golden Age of the Americas, as President Trump has mentioned.”
Rubio is scheduled to meet with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino.
Discussions are expected to cover migration, drug trafficking, and the Panama Canal, which Rubio and Trump contend is increasingly dominated by Chinese companies at both ends.
The Trump administration argues that the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) control over Chinese companies effectively translates to CCP influence over the canal, potentially allowing it to disrupt U.S. trade—a significant security risk.
Mulino has repeatedly denied Chinese influence over the Panama Canal’s operations, stating on Thursday that he would not negotiate with Rubio.
“It’s impossible, I can’t negotiate,” Mulino said during a Thursday press conference when asked about negotiating control of the canal, according to The Associated Press. “That is settled. The canal belongs to Panama.”
Mulino reportedly attributed the confusion over canal control to his predecessor, who established diplomatic ties with China in 2017, subsequently permitting a Hong Kong consortium to manage ports at both canal ends.
Panama maintains its control over the canal.
Claver-Carone argued that Chinese companies control “everything from force and logistics to telecommunications, infrastructure, and other sectors,” posing a security threat not only to U.S. interests in the canal, but also to Panama’s and the Western Hemisphere’s national security.
Rubio will also visit El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, meeting with each nation’s president before returning to the U.S. on Thursday.
Addressing Chinese influence in these countries, along with gang violence, migration, and drug trafficking, will be key priorities for Rubio’s agenda.