Marco Rubio Highlights Trump's Genuine Interest in Greenland and Panama Canal Due to China Threats

AP Secretary of State Marco Rubio has highlighted President Donald Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland and regaining control of the Panama Canal. This interest is driven by national security concerns over China's growing influence in the Arctic and Latin America. Rubio, ahead of his trip to Central America starting in Panama, expressed uncertainty about Trump's success in these endeavours but emphasised their significance.

Rubio is set to visit Panama on Saturday for his first official foreign trip as America's top diplomat. This visit underscores the importance both he and Trump place on securing the canal. While immigration will be a key discussion point, the canal issue remains a priority for Rubio.

Concerns Over Chinese Influence

Chinese investments in ports and infrastructure at both ends of the Panama Canal are raising alarms. Rubio noted that these investments make Panama and the vital shipping route susceptible to Chinese influence. He stated, "They're all over Panama," referring to Chinese companies believed to be loyal to Beijing.

Rubio warned that if China were to instruct these companies to disrupt canal operations during a conflict with Taiwan or a diplomatic breakdown with the US, they would comply. "I have zero doubt that they have contingency planning to do so that is a direct threat," he added.

Treaty Violations and Economic Concerns

Rubio also mentioned that if China wanted to obstruct traffic in the Panama Canal, it would breach the 1977 treaty signed by former President Jimmy Carter. This treaty transferred control of the canal from the US to Panama in 1999. Additionally, Rubio echoed Trump's complaint about American ships being overcharged for using the canal, which he believes violates the treaty.

"We should not be in a position of having to pay more than other countries," Rubio said. "In fact, we should be getting a discount or maybe for free because we paid for the thing."

Panama's Stance on Canal Ownership

Earlier on Thursday, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino stated there would be no negotiation with the United States regarding ownership of the Panama Canal. Mulino hopes Rubios visit will focus on shared interests like migration and combating drug trafficking instead.

"It's impossible, I can't negotiate," Mulino said when asked about returning the canal to US control. "That is done. The canal belongs to Panama." However, Rubio insisted that the topic would be addressed during his visit.

Greenland's Strategic Importance

Regarding Greenland, Rubio pointed out Denmark's limited ability to defend it from China, which seeks a presence in the Arctic for shipping routes. Since Greenland falls under NATO's mutual defence pact through Denmark, Rubio argued it makes sense for the US to have more authority there.

"If we're already on the hook for having to do that, we might as well have more control over what happens there," Rubio said. He acknowledged it's a sensitive issue for Denmark but stressed its importance for US national interests.

Rubio concluded by stating that four years from now, US interests in both regions will be more secure due to Trump's attention to these matters. "What I think you can rest assured of is that four years from now, our interest in the Arctic will be more secure; our interest in the Panama Canal will be more secure," he told SiriusXM host Megyn Kelly.