Key Takeaways:

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio will embark on his inaugural diplomatic trip to Central America, including Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic.
• The visit comes in light of President Trump’s escalating rhetoric regarding the Panama Canal, hinting at U.S. interests in reclaiming control amid concerns over China's influence.
• Migration issues are central to Rubio’s agenda as the administration attempts to bolster cooperation with regional governments on deportation and border security.
• Panama’s President has firmly denied accusations of Chinese control over the canal, asserting national sovereignty amidst U.S. claims.
• Experts point to the Panama Canal's strategic importance in U.S. foreign policy and potential implications on trade and national security.

As Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares for his first official diplomatic mission next week, he will focus on pivotal issues in Central America, particularly during a visit to Panama. This trip comes amidst heightened tensions following President Donald Trump's comments about the Panama Canal, which he has accused of being under Chinese influence. Trump has threatened to reclaim control over the canal, stating that “the purpose of our deal... has been totally violated,” a sentiment echoed by Rubio at his confirmation hearing, where he noted that foreign companies' presence could pose a risk to U.S. national interests. According to reports, this trip signifies the administration's prioritization of relations with Central America and aims to tackle illegal migration, with a particular emphasis on extending cooperation with neighboring nations to manage border security effectively.

While the inquiry into China’s involvement in the canal's operations remains controversial, experts such as Wu Xinbo from Fudan University caution against reading too much into U.S. actions related to the canal. They stress that any military comeback would be overwhelmingly complicated due to the involvement of multiple nations. The Panamanian government, headed by President José Raúl Mulino, has denounced Trump’s claims, emphasizing Panama's sovereignty over the canal and asserting that it operates independently without foreign control. In response to international narratives, the Panamanian government recently announced it would audit Hutchison Port Holdings, owned by Hong Kong, managing terminals at either end of the Panama Canal since 1997.

As Rubio prepares for his diplomatic tour, his meetings are likely to focus on encouraging local governments to accept more deportations of their nationals, pushing for regional cooperation to address the ongoing migration crisis impacting the southern U.S. border. This trip signals the Trump administration's commitment to viewing Central America through the lens of U.S. security and economic interests, paving the way for extensive talks on mutual cooperation with local leaders.

For more detailed insights on this developing story, refer to South China Morning Post, Associated Press, USA Today, The Hill, and ABC News.