José Raúl Mulino called his talks with Rubio “respectful” and “positive” and said he did not “feel like there’s a real threat against the treaty and its validity."

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino sought to reconcile with the US during a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino on Sunday that the Central American ally must immediately reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal area or face potential retaliation from the Trump administration.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday warned Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino that Washington will "take measures necessary" if Panama does not immediately take steps to end what President Donald Trump sees as China's influence and control over the Panama Canal.

President Trump has made a “preliminary determination” that Chinese influence violates a treaty that assures the canal's neutrality, Rubio said.