The Latest Breaking News from Panama

Secretary of State Rubio warns Panama about Chinese influence over the Panama Canal, emphasizing U.S. concerns and potential measures.

The canal authority said it will "optimize transit priority" of such ships through the waterway.

The Panamanian government had signed the agreement in 2017. Rubio had told President Mulino to reduce Chinese influence around the canal or face consequences

On his first trip overseas as the top US diplomat, Rubio took a guided tour of the canal accompanied by its Panamanian administrator as a South Korean-affiliated oil tanker and Marshall Islands-flagged cargo ship passed through the vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

A sprawling business empire built by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing is caught in the crossfire as the extent of Chinese influence over the Panama Canal is debated.

Panama’s president says sovereignty over canal not up for debate but suggests review of agreements with Chinese companies

Panama ends key China deal, reaffirms sovereignty over Panama Canal amid U.S. concerns. Realignment towards stronger ties with the U.S.

Senator Marco Rubio urged Panama to reduce China's growing influence over the Panama Canal, warning of potential consequences if the country does not take action.

Senator Marco Rubio urged Panama to reduce China's growing influence over the Panama Canal, warning of potential consequences if the country does not take action.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday threatened action against Panama without immediate changes to reduce Chinese influence on the canal, but the country's leader insisted he was not afraid of a US invasion and offered talks.

Secretary of state’s visit to Central American state greeted with protests at Trump’s demand to take back the waterway