Rubio meets with Panamanian president, FM on 1st foreign trip | VOA News #shorts

#panama #canal #panamacity U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panama's President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha Sunday, on the opening stop of his first foreign trip as America's top diplomat. Rubio told the top Panamanian leaders that China is exerting “unacceptable” influence and control of the Panama Canal, which, if not changed, could force the United States to “take measures necessary” to protect its access to the waterway. Mulino in recent days has rejected criticism from the new U.S. government over Panama's management of the waterway that is vital to global trade. The Panamanian leader has said there will be no negotiation with the U.S. over ownership of the canal, and some Panamanians have staged protests over Trump's plans. The American-built canal was turned over to the Panamanians in 1999 and they object strongly to Trump's demand to return ownership to the U.S. https://www.voanews.com/a/rubio-warns-of-china-s-potential-to-block-panama-canal-in-conflict/7958272.html » Subscribe to VOA News: https://bit.ly/3KIPysi » Watch more VOA News video: https://www.youtube.com/c/VOANews Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in nearly 50 languages to an estimated weekly audience of more than 354 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of more than 3,500 affiliate stations. Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press. Connect with VOA News: » VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.voanews.com » LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/voanews » FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/voanews » FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/VOANews » FOLLOW US ON THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@voanews #news #voanews