A key focus of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Central America this week — his first trip as America’s top diplomat — will be to counter China’s growing influence in the region, the State Department’s top spokesperson said this week.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), the chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, discussed a scenario in which China could disrupt U.S. trade by blocking off the canal.

Rubio's stop in Panama also comes as Trump in recent weeks has said he wants the Panama Canal back under U.S. control, claiming that “American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way,

At least 70 bridges are expected to be built along the route, including a crossing over the Panama Canal. “We at AECOM take this responsibility ... which will connect the Panamanian capital with the Costa Rican border.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will likely travel to Central America in the first week of February, a source familiar with the planning said.

Central America is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultures. Among its many countries, Panama and Costa Rica sta

Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Central America comes after President Donald Trump has repeatedly promised to take the Panama Canal back.

China's expanding footprint in Latin America is expected to be high on the agenda when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Panama next week on his first overseas trip since taking office, according to observers.

The new Secretary of State already has said the Hong Kong-based operator of Panama Canal-adjacent ports could be a “big national security and defense problem.”

Venture through the historic Panama Canal and drink in the natural beauty and awe-inspiring feats of mankind while enjoying a Central American cruise.

Marco Rubio will travel to Panama on his first trip abroad as secretary of State. The visit comes as Donald Trump looks to reclaim Panama's canal.