Any move by Panama to distance itself from Chinese President Xi Jinping’s signature project is a win for Washington. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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.

President José Mulino said Panama's sovereignty over the world's second busiest waterway is not up for discussion.

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.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has demanded that Panama make "immediate changes" to what he calls the "influence and control" of China over the Panama Canal. America's top diplomat said Panama must act or the US would take necessary measures to protect its rights under a treaty between the two countries.

Rubio's office warned that the U.S. would take necessary measures to protect the Panama Canal against China's alleged influence in the region.

Trump has repeatedly suggested the U.S. should demand the return of the Panama Canal if Panama does not reduce the fees it charges American ships. He has also freq