McCaul Applauds Secretary Rubio’s Trip to Panama, Panama’s Decision to Leave China’s Belt and Road Initiative

February 3, 2025 Press Release WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee — released the following statement on reports Panama has decided not to renew its participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative after Secretary Rubio’s visit to Panama. “China’s encroachment into the Western Hemisphere — especially in the crucial Panama Canal — poses a clear and present danger to U.S. interests. The Biden administration was asleep at the wheel, focusing on promoting woke policies abroad while China consolidated power in our own backyard. I’m thrilled to see Secretary Rubio and the Trump administration already course-correcting, charting a new path for the U.S. and our neighbors in Latin America.  Panama’s decision to end its Belt and Road contract with China is a tremendous victory — not only for the United States, but also for the Panamanian people who are escaping the CCP’s debt trap diplomacy.” ### Issues : Foreign Affairs