Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks on his first international trip to Latin America amid diplomatic tensions in the region caused by President Trump. Rubio's trip includes visits to El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.
Key Points
Rare for a Secretary of State to start foreign travels in Latin America
Concerns over Chinese control of major ports near the Panama Canal
Continuity in US foreign policy towards authoritarian regimes in Latin America
Pros
Focus on strengthening US relations with Latin America
Addressing Chinese influence in the Panama Canal region
Cons
Potential challenges in dealing with China as a major trading partner for Latin American countries
Navigating the complexities of US foreign policy in the region