Panama Signals Shift Away from China’s Belt and Road Initiative After US Pressure

Secretary of State Marco Rubio hails Panama’s decision to exit China’s infrastructure plan as tensions over canal control and Chinese influence intensify.

• Panama announced it will not renew its participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and is exploring an early exit from the agreement.
• The decision follows U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit, during which he raised concerns about Chinese influence in the Panama Canal region.
• Rubio praised Panama’s move as a positive step for U.S.-Panama relations and a measure to address perceived security threats posed by China’s presence.
• The U.S. has voiced concerns about Chinese state-owned companies operating near the canal, citing potential risks to canal neutrality and security.
• Panama has initiated audits of Chinese-operated ports and signaled openness to further U.S. demands, including possible concessions on canal transit fees for U.S. military vessels.

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