On February 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the Panama Canal amid concerns over its control. The U.S. has expressed worries about the growing influence of Chinese businesses in the region, especially a Hong Kong-based company running two ports near the canal entrances. These concerns have led to the U.S. urging Panama to take immediate action to address the situation. The Panama Canal, once under U.S. control, is now a key strategic location. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously warned that "something powerful is going to happen" if the U.S. felt its interests were threatened by foreign control over the canal. The tensions highlight the growing rivalry between the U.S. and China in the