Trump's Territorial Ambitions Continue: Rubio Calls for Reduced Chinese Influence on the Panama Canal

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Geopolitical tensions rise as the U.S. pushes back against China's expanding influence

U.S. Targets Key Strategic Points: Greenland and Panama Canal

Donald Trump, former U.S. president, continues to express clear ambitions to assert control over strategic locations like Greenland and the Panama Canal. With a focus on countering anti-American influence and securing economic and security dominance, the U.S. administration remains unrelenting in its pressure on key allies.

According to reports from CNN, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panama on February 2 for his first official overseas trip. He met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, urging significant measures to reduce China's influence over the canal. Rubio reportedly conveyed Trump's concerns about the Chinese presence violating the treaty guaranteeing the canal’s permanent neutrality.

Rubio emphasized that if no meaningful changes were made, the U.S. would take the necessary steps to protect its interests. Following the meeting, Rubio inspected the Miraflores Locks area of the canal.

Panama's Firm Response and Strategic Concessions

President Mulino rejected the idea of foreign involvement, stating that the control and operation of the canal were matters of national sovereignty. "There is no real threat from the United States," Mulino assured during a press conference, adding that Panama would maintain operational control of the canal.

To appease U.S. concerns, Panama proposed a technical review committee and guaranteed the free passage of U.S. Navy vessels. Additionally, the Panamanian government announced its decision not to renew agreements related to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

U.S. Eyes Greenland Amid Rising Arctic Tensions

On the same day, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance revisited the idea of Greenland’s annexation during an interview with Fox News. When asked if the U.S. would seek to acquire Greenland, Vance responded, "I believe it's possible." He highlighted Greenland’s strategic importance for U.S. security, noting the presence of sea routes used by China and Russia.

Vance argued that Greenland's 55,000 residents were dissatisfied with Danish governance, which he claimed restricted resource development and exploration. "Under Trump's leadership, a different approach would be taken," he added.

Geopolitical and Economic Stakes in Greenland and Panama

Experts caution that the U.S. is wary of China's growing influence in both Greenland and Panama. Greenland is critical for Arctic military strategy and resource development, with abundant rare earth elements, copper, and lithium deposits. The island’s melting ice has also opened possibilities for new shipping routes.

Rubio voiced concerns that China might attempt to establish military facilities in Greenland, similar to its activities in Panama. Currently, Chinese companies control operations at two of the five major ports along the canal, a key passage for China's expansion into the Western Hemisphere.

The Panamanian government has initiated a thorough investigation into the financial operations of CK Hutchison Holdings, a Hong Kong-based company with significant control over canal port operations.

A New Era of Geopolitical Rivalry

As tensions rise, the U.S. appears determined to maintain its strategic dominance while curbing China’s influence in vital regions like Greenland and the Panama Canal. Whether through diplomatic pressure or potential military posturing, Trump's territorial ambitions remain a key focus in America’s evolving geopolitical strategy.

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