Panama President José Raúl Mulino said that the country would not renew its 2017 MoU with China to join its Belt and Road initiative after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave an ultimatum to the nation to distance itself from Beijing.

José Raúl Mulino called his talks with Rubio “respectful” and “positive” and said he did not “feel like there’s a real threat against the treaty and its validity."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns Panama's President, Jose Raul Mulino, about China's influence on the Panama Canal, seen as a violation of neutrality treaties. The U.S. may take necessary measures if Panama doesn't act,

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino sought to reconcile with the US during a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday warned Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino that Washington will "take measures necessary" if Panama does not immediately take steps to end what President Donald Trump sees as China's influence and control over the Panama Canal.

America's top diplomat said Panama must act or the US would take necessary measures to protect its rights under a treaty between the two countries. The warning follows President Donald Trump's vow to retake the canal and a meeting between Rubio and Jose Raul Mulino,

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino in Panama over the weekend, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a readout of their meeting.