According to him, there is a company in Hong Kong that manages two ports at the Atlantic and Pacific entrances to the canal. He is convinced that they will do whatever the Chinese government instructs.
"If the Chinese government tells them to close the Panama Canal, they will have no choice but to comply. I have no doubt they have an action plan ready for emergencies. This is a direct threat," the Secretary of State stated.
Rubio pointed out that the canal "is already in the hands of the Chinese," and the U.S. will address this issue in the near future.