U.S. Strikes Back? Panama’s Policy Shift Shakes China Relations | Taiwan Talks EP561

After meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino immediately announced that Panama would not renew its Belt and Road Initiative memorandum with China. He further stated that he is considering allowing Panama Canal technical teams to directly dialogue with the U.S. What prompted this major policy shift in Panama, and how will it reshape the geopolitical landscape in Latin America? Our guests are: Yen Chen-shen National Chengchi University Professor of Political Science Tsai Jung-hsiang National Chung-Cheng University Political Science Professor Chapters 00:00:00 – Panama Rethinks Belt and Road Deal 00:00:43 – Panama Ends Belt and Road Agreement 00:01:27 – How Will Panama’s Change Affect China? 00:06:27 – The Price of Panama’s Move 00:10:20 – Panama Canal Security: U.S. Concerns Rise 00:10:58 – U.S. V.S. China: Battle for Canal Influence? 00:15:03 – Where Will Latin America Tensions Rise? 00:23:33 – U.S.-Latin America Ties Grow Under Trump 00:24:06 – Taiwan’s Role: Impact of U.S. Support