Rubio’s First Overseas Trip as Secretary of State Takes Him to Panama
The new U.S. Secretary of State will visit Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic to discuss critical regional issues.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Marco Rubio will make his first overseas trip as Secretary of State next week, with Panama marking one of the key stops on his diplomatic journey. This visit will bring Rubio into the spotlight early in his tenure, as he faces a unique challenge regarding the Panama Canal, a subject of contentious debate.
Panama has long been a close U.S. ally in Latin America, but tensions surrounding the Panama Canal have surfaced recently. Since December, former President Donald Trump has raised concerns over the canal, alleging in speeches and on social media that China is exerting control over the vital waterway. Trump has even suggested the U.S. should "take the canal back," despite the fact that both Panama and China have denied any interference. The canal remains a neutral entity, operated by Panama.
Along with Panama, Rubio’s trip will include visits to Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
“We must prioritize the safety, prosperity, and well-being of our neighbors in South and Central America,” Bruce said in a press briefing Thursday.
Although Trump’s claims about the Panama Canal are unfounded, China’s presence in the region is undeniable. Chinese state-owned companies operate ports along the canal, a situation that has raised concerns among U.S. officials over the years. In 2023, Gen. Laura Richardson, then-commander of U.S. Southern Command, cautioned that these Chinese-controlled ports could be used for military purposes if necessary.
Rubio echoed these concerns during his confirmation hearing earlier this month, stating that while Panama retains sovereignty over the canal, Chinese influence through state-owned companies presents a potential threat to U.S. national security. He called the situation a “direct threat” and said that the canal could become a strategic chokepoint in times of conflict.
Despite these tensions, Rubio emphasized Panama’s importance as a partner on a range of issues. “I hope we can resolve this issue of the canal’s security while continuing to work with Panama on shared concerns, including migration,” he said.
Immigration will be a central issue throughout Rubio’s upcoming trip. In an internal memo from his first day in office, Rubio outlined the U.S. diplomatic priorities, focusing on securing America’s borders, curbing illegal migration, and negotiating the repatriation of illegal immigrants.
"Mass migration is one of the most pressing challenges of our time," Rubio stated in the memo. "The era of mass migration must end."
As Rubio embarks on this diplomatic mission, his discussions with leaders across Central America and the Caribbean will address both the complexities of migration and the broader security concerns that shape U.S.-Latin America relations.