‘There will be many casualties’: Panama girds for war as Rubio opens talks

Summary

U.S.-Panama tensions are rising over control of the Panama Canal as Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits.

Trump’s administration demands concessions, including free U.S. military passage, while Panama resists, citing sovereignty.

Former Panamanian President Pérez Balladares fears U.S. invasion, while officials appeal to the U.N. Trump’s rhetoric about Chinese influence in the canal has exacerbated the crisis, though Panama denies such claims.

Meanwhile, Panama’s political instability weakens its pushback.

Despite historical anti-American sentiment, some Panamanians now express nostalgia for stronger U.S. ties.