Marco Rubio, the top Trump administration diplomat, began his first overseas visit to Panama on Sunday. He was scheduled to meet Panamanian president Jose Raul Mulino and discuss U.S. concern about Chinese companies that could affect U.S. shipping around the Panama Canal as well as migration issues in the area.

Rubio, on his first trip as Secretary of State, is visiting Central America and Caribbean to refocus U.S. Diplomacy towards the Western Hemisphere. He also hopes to recruit assistance in stemming the migration to the southern border.

This also reflects the desire to counter China’s growing influence in Latin America. Donald Trump, upon his election last month, threatened to seize control of the Panama Canal. The canal was built by the U.S. during the early 20th century, and given to Panama by a 1977 Treaty. Trump claimed that China is operating the canal. Public outrage followed the comments, and Panama strongly condemned Trump's threat.

China claims that it has no involvement in the operation of the canal, and respects Panamanian sovereignty and independence.

Panama Canal Authority is an autonomous agency under the supervision of the Panamanian Government.

Rubio, who was a China hawk in his Senate career for many years, stated last week that China would be able to use ports to close the canal, which is a vital shipping route for the United States, in the case of a dispute between Beijing and Washington.

Javier Martinez Acha Vasquez, Panamanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Rubio at Mulino’s home ahead of the meeting he was expected to have with President.

Mulino said that Rubio and Mulino did not discuss the ownership of canal.

Rubio will also discuss immigration issues in Panama. The country works with the U.S. to prevent migration across the Darien Gap, the rugged border between Panama and Colombia that is used by drug smugglers and human traffickers.

Rubio has directed the State Department that migration issues be at the forefront of diplomacy in the region. Officials claim that Rubio's trip will be used to ease the acceptance of U.S. flights for deportation to the region. (Reporting from Simon Lewis)

(source: Reuters)