Trump threatens to retake Panama Canal ‘or something very powerful will happen’

 US President, Donald Trump reiterated his vow to take back the Panama Canal on Sunday night, February 2, warning of powerful US action in an escalating diplomatic dispute with the Central American country over Chinas presence around the vital waterway.China is running the Panama Canal that was not given to China, that was given to Panama foolishly, but they violated the agreement, and were going to take it back, or something very powerful is going to happen, Trump told reporters. Hours earlier, the diplomatic quarrel caused by Trumps repeated and publicly stated desire for the US to retake control of the canal eased after Secretary of State Marco Rubio, making his first overseas trip as the top US diplomat, met with Panamas President Ral Mulino. Though Mulino told Rubio that Panamas sovereignty over the canal was not up for debate, he also said he had addressed Washingtons concerns over Beijings purported influence around the waterway.Panama would not renew a 2017 memorandum of understanding to join Chinas overseas development initiative, known as the Belt and Road initiative, Mulino said, also suggesting that the deal with Beijing could end early.Mulino told reporters that Panama will seek to work with the US on new investments, including infrastructure projects. I think this visit opens the door to build new relations and try to increase as much as possible US investments in Panama, he said. During the meeting, Rubio told Panamas president and Foreign Minister Javier Martnez-Acha that concerns over Chinas control of the Panama Canal may mean the US has to take measures necessary to protect its rights per a longstanding treaty on the neutrality and operation of the canal. The canal was returned to Panama under a 1977 treaty, which allowed the US to intervene militarily if the waterways operations were disrupted by internal conflict or a foreign power. Today, more cargo than ever runs through the canal than it did during the years of US control. Mulino said Sunday he doesnt think there is a real risk that the US would use military force to retake the canal.  He said Panamanian authorities spoke with Rubio about the possibility of expanding a migrant repatriation flight program to remove foreign nationals who dont have the legal basis to be in Panama, insisting that the US would have to shoulder the costs.  Asked to clarify if migrants would come to Panama and subsequently be transferred to their respective countries, Mulio said, Yes. Exactly We can do that, without a problem, under the total cost of the US. Panama wont invest a single dollar in it. The post Trump threatens to retake Panama Canal or something very powerful will happen’ appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.