April 3, 2025 9:17 pm
Full News

Trump Sends Secretary of State to Secure Panama’s Allegiance

Even before taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened to take control of the Panama Canal. Now, he has adopted a different strategy, sending his newly appointed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to Panama. Latin America’s close ally, Panama, has recently faced tension with the U.S. following Trump’s comments.

According to an ABC News report on Friday (January 24), the Trump administration, which assumed office just four days ago, has already prioritized its agenda. Trump has entrusted Rubio, a former political rival, with the critical role of Secretary of State, assigning him the significant task of ensuring Panama remains within the U.S. sphere of influence and removing China’s “malicious” presence. Rubio is set to visit Panama next week.

The strategic importance of the Panama Canal is undeniable. Originally constructed by the United States, it was later handed over to Panama under a treaty. However, Trump has claimed that the canal has been out of U.S. control since December. He repeatedly mentioned the issue in social media posts, rallies, and even during his presidential inauguration speech.

Trump has alleged that the canal is now under Chinese control. He insists on reclaiming the canal to reduce Chinese influence. However, both China and Panama deny any interference in canal operations, asserting that it functions as a neutral waterway. Still, by sending Rubio, Trump is signaling his dissatisfaction.

In addition to Panama, Rubio will visit Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. During the Biden administration, the U.S. became distanced from many Latin American countries, which China exploited to strengthen its presence in the region. Beijing has even constructed a maritime port near the U.S.’s doorstep, potentially deployable for military purposes—a growing concern for Washington.

Trump has realized that without strengthening relationships with neighbors, China’s aggression will only increase. Before Rubio’s trip, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce echoed the sentiment, stating that maintaining good relationships with neighboring countries is essential for the U.S.’s security and prosperity. While China does not operate the Panama Canal, Beijing’s presence in nearby countries remains notable.

At least five Chinese state-owned enterprises operate near the Panama Canal. In 2023, General Laura Richardson of the U.S. Southern Command warned about these enterprises, stating that they could also serve military purposes. Rubio himself expressed similar concerns during his recent confirmation hearing last month.

Related News
China and France to Hold High-Level Dialogues in 2025, Deepen Economic and Strategic Ties
Sculpture Symbolizing Bangladesh’s Liberation War Ends Up in Scrap Shop
Jordan Proposes Exile of 3,000 Hamas Members from Gaza
Trump Backs H-1B Visa Program Amid Dispute with Supporters, Aligns with Elon Musk
U.S. and Hamas Agree on New Ceasefire Proposal; Israel Remains Silent
70 Killed In Nigeria Petrol Tanker Explosion
Related Posts
Elon Musk to Step Down from Government Role
Elon Musk’s Cost-Cutting Team Sends Error-Ridden Termination Notices to USAID Staff
Finland’s President Urges France or Britain to Engage with Russia on Ukraine
Controversial Waqf Bill Passed in India’s Lok Sabha
Israeli Forces Used Palestinians as ‘Human Shields’
World Leaders React to Trump’s Tariff Imposition
More News

Jaishankar Urges Bangladesh to Protect Minorities Amid Rising Violence Against Hindus

India Urges Bangladesh to Protect Minorities Amid Rising Violence Against Hindus New Delhi – India called on Bangladesh’s interim government on Friday to take responsibility for safeguarding its minority communities, expressing concern over increasing incidents of violence against Hindus and other minorities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected claims that such incidents were merely […]

Shabana Azmi to Receive Excellence in Cinema Award from Waheeda Rehman at MAMI 2024

Indian film legend Shabana Azmi will be honored with the Excellence in Cinema Award at this year’s Mumbai International Film Festival (MAMI), with the award being presented by none other than the iconic Waheeda Rehman. The announcement was confirmed by MAMI Festival Director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, setting the stage for a landmark moment between two […]

Legendary Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain Alive, Admitted to ICU; Family Requests Prayers

On December 15, reports of the passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary Indian tabla virtuoso, began circulating widely across global media outlets around 9 PM. However, a sigh of relief followed as it was later confirmed that Zakir Hussain is still alive. According to his manager, Nirmala Bachani, who spoke to Zee News, Zakir […]

U.S. Officials Confirm Sudanese Military’s Use of Chemical Weapons Amid Escalating Conflict

As the civil conflict in Sudan spirals into one of the most devastating crises in recent history, U.S. officials have confirmed that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), under the leadership of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, have resorted to using chemical weapons against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This grim development was revealed in conjunction with […]

Is Constas Being Dropped From the Team?

A different series, a different opponent. But in the discussion, Sam Konstas, this time in a slightly different way. There is a lot of talk about whether the 19-year-old boy, who has dominated the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, will play against Sri Lanka in Galle. Listening to captain Steve Smith, it seems that Konstas may spend the […]

Cardi B Supports Kamala Harris at Rally, Says She’s ‘Promising a Lot’

Cardi B spoke passionately for Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally in Wisconsin. The event, called “When We Vote We Win,” included performances from various artists like GloRilla and the Isley Brothers. Cardi compared herself to Harris, saying they are both “underdogs” who have been underestimated. She shared that women often have to work […]

Recommendation for Constitution Amendments: Changing the Name of Bangladesh and Dropping Secularism

The head of the Constitution Reform Commission has submitted the report to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing announced that this report was handed over at the Chief Adviser’s office in Tejgaon on Wednesday morning (January 15). Later in the afternoon, Professor Ali Riaz, head […]

Bangladesh’s Interim Government Must Stop Arbitrary Arrests: Human Rights Watch

International human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Bangladesh’s interim government to end arbitrary arrests and retaliatory violence. The organization warned that failure to do so could hinder some of the significant reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. These observations were made in a 50-page report by HRW on the state […]

Modi Not Attending Trump’s Inauguration Ceremony

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending the inauguration ceremony of newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump. Instead, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, will represent the country at the event, according to a statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The statement mentioned that the committee overseeing the inauguration ceremony of President […]

Yunus Govt’s Concern Over Women’s Entertainment Obstructions Criticized

Recently, numerous female celebrities in Bangladesh have been facing threats in various forms. They have been obstructed from carrying out their work, with popular stars like Mehazabien Chowdhury, Porshi, Pori Moni, and Apu Biswas among those affected. The interim government has expressed deep concern over the recent hindrances to women’s recreational activities in the country. […]