Will the US impose economic sanctions on China? Rubio's 'disastrous' warning

Commenting on relations between China and the US, Rubio noted that a potential US decision to impose sanctions on China could be disastrous.

Don't leave your news choices to an algorithm - decide for yourself what you read. Add 12punto to your preferred sources!

Will the US impose economic sanctions on China? Rubio's 'disastrous' warning

According to a written statement from the US Department of State, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made remarks on the international agenda while on an official visit to the Dominican Republic, speaking to 'Color Vision Canal 9'.

Rubio began visiting Latin American countries on February 1 to curb China's growing influence in the region. During his visit to Panama on February 2, the Secretary of State emphasized that China's influence over the Panama Canal must be reduced, warning that otherwise, necessary measures would be taken.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino stated, 'The sovereignty of the Panama Canal is not up for debate.' Mulino also informed Rubio that his country would not renew the memorandum of understanding signed with China in 2017 under the Belt and Road Initiative. Mulino announced that Panama would withdraw from China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Regarding China's influence in Latin America, Rubio used the following expression:

'Investments made in China have been disastrous for many countries.'

Mulino announced that they are withdrawing from China's Belt and Road Initiative. However, there was only one ongoing Chinese economic initiative in Panama. Apart from a bridge project to be built over a river, China had halted all its investments in Panama.

US PLANS FOR LATIN AMERICA

Rubio, who argued that Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba have committed human rights violations, stated that they have imposed sanctions on these countries for this reason. Rubio emphasized that Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, with whom they cooperate in the fight against drug trafficking, is an 'ally against crime'.

Regarding the process of deporting irregular migrants from the US, Rubio made the following remarks:

'All countries in the world, in accordance with international agreements, have an obligation to accept their citizens who are residing illegally in another country. And I don't think there is any resistance to that. Frankly, the administration is prioritizing very dangerous people, criminals.'

Stating that there are no plans to send troops to Haiti, Rubio noted that they would work with other countries for a solution. Addressing the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti, Rubio expressed that the US is making efforts to find a solution to it.

Regarding China's influence in Latin America, Rubio reiterated his assessment that ''Investments made in China have been disastrous for many countries.'' The Secretary of State stated that the US would work more closely with its allies in Latin America and that problems in the region directly affect his country.