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."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (Feb 2) 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.

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.

Panama's José Raúl Mulino announced that his country would not renew its agreement with China's Belt and Road Initiative following a visit from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Panama’s president reiterated on Sunday that Panama’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal is not up for debate, saying that during talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that he had addressed the United States’ concerns over China’s presence around the vital waterway.

Panama has decided not to renew its participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), making it the first Latin American nation to leave the programme. President José Raúl Mulino stated that his administration would assess whether an early termination is possible.