Curbing China's BRI influence in the Americas

Marco Rubio's diplomatic breakthrough with Panama reduces China's influence

"In a pivotal diplomatic achievement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio successfully persuaded Panama to end its association with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), according to Breitbart.

This decision represents a significant geopolitical shift that could diminish China's influence in Panama and transform regional relations in Latin America.

Panama's initial engagement with the BRI dates back to 2018 when it became the first Latin American nation to participate in the global infrastructure development strategy spearheaded by China.

This move came just a year after Panama had severed its longstanding diplomatic ties with Taiwan to align with Beijing. The BRI agreement promised infrastructural investments from China, raising the stakes for U.S.-Panama relations.

The two leaders found consensus on enhancing regional security collaboration. They agreed on measures to curb illegal migration through the Darian Gap, a notorious passage that has been a significant route for undocumented migration.

The meeting also fostered talks on boosting U.S. investments in Panama, which could serve to counterbalance past economic dependence on Chinese projects."

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