U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed "zero doubt" that China has a contingency plan to shut down the Panama Canal in a potential conflict with the U.S. Speaking on The Megyn Kelly Show, Rubio emphasized that Washington views this as a national security threat and intends to address it.
Rubio echoed former President Donald Trump’s concerns over China’s influence on the canal, a critical global trade route. Trump has accused Panama of breaking its 1999 transfer agreement and ceding operational control to China, claims the Panamanian government strongly denies. During his inauguration speech, Trump vowed to take back the canal but did not specify how.
Rubio pointed to Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison, which operates ports at both ends of the canal, arguing that the company must comply with the Chinese government’s directives. "If China tells them to shut down the Panama Canal, they will have to," Rubio stated. He insisted that the U.S. must act, declaring, "This just can't continue."
Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino dismissed the concerns, stating, "The canal belongs to Panama," and ruled out discussing control with Rubio during his upcoming visit. While Panama operates the canal itself, the ports are managed by companies from China, the U.S., Singapore, and Taiwan.
Critics accuse Trump of modern imperialism, warning that his rhetoric on the canal and Greenland could embolden Russia and China. Some analysts speculate Trump’s stance may be a negotiation tactic rather than an actual policy plan. Rubio, while not repeating Trump’s vow to reclaim the canal, stressed that China’s involvement poses a direct risk to U.S. interests.