China's presence around the Panama Canal is a national security concern that Panama's government has to deal with, U.S. Special Envoy for Latin America Mauricio Claver-Carone said on Friday, ahead of U.

The U.S. and Panama are apprehensive about China's presence around the Panama Canal, citing national security concerns. The issue will be a focus during U.S. top diplomat Marco Rubio's visit, where he will meet Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and discuss regional migration issues.