Bangladesh, Feb. 3 -- The geopolitical contest between the United States and China has once again taken center stage, this time in Panama. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during his first overseas trip as Washingtons top diplomat, delivered a stark ultimatum to Panama: curb Chinese influence over the Panama Canal or face the consequences. The warning, which echoes President Donald Trumps escalating rhetoric, has set the stage for a significant diplomatic confrontation in the region.

During his visit to Panama City on Sunday, Rubio met with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha. According to the US State Departments summary of the meeting, Rubio conveyed President Trumps growing concerns over P...