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Strategic asset like Panama Canal can’t be under Chinese control — US official

Marco Rubio is set to make his first foreign trip as secretary of state from February 1-6, traveling to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic

WASHINGTON, January 31. /TASS/. The US views the Panama Canal as a strategic asset that can’t be under China's control, US State Department’s Special Envoy for Latin America Mauricio Claver-Carone said ahead of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Panama.

"This is a key issue, because at the end of the day, this is a key, important, strategic asset. And obviously, if the 21st century, akin to the 20th century is going to be an American Century, and the golden age of the Americas, a strategic asset cannot be under the control - de facto or de jure - of China," he told reporters in an online news conference.

The envoy confirmed that Rubio will discuss the situation around the canal with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino.

According to Claver-Carone, China’s purported attempts to take control of the canal were not the fault of Mulino, but the previous president of Panama.

"It got completely out of hand," he said.

Mulino said on January 30 that he has no intention of discussing the ownership of the Panama Canal with Rubio. The issue is closed, as the canal belongs to Panama, the president said in response to US President Donald Trump's demand that the link be returned to Washington’s possession.

Rubio is set to make his first foreign trip as secretary of state from February 1-6, traveling to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. He is scheduled to meet with officials and business people.

According to the US State Department, the tour aims to advance cooperation in fighting illegal migration, crime and drug smuggling, as well as counter China.

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