U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Panamanian leader José Raúl Mulino to reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal area or face potential U.S. retaliation.

During Rubio’s visit to Panama, he conveyed President Trump’s concerns that China’s presence in the canal could violate a treaty ensuring its neutrality.

While Mulino rejected threats to the canal’s sovereignty, he agreed not to renew Panama’s involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Rubio also discussed curbing illegal immigration and other U.S. priorities, the Associated Press has reported.

Protests against Rubio’s visit were held in Panama, and his trip occurs amid a U.S. foreign aid freeze.

Written by B.C. Begley