NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Jorge Quijano, former Panama Canal administrator from 2012 to 2019. He disagrees with the Trump administration's assertions about Chinese influence over the Panama Canal.
Panamanians were caught off guard to find themselves at the center of President Trump's expansionist agenda. We visit the canal, attend protests and report on Rubio's message to the people of Panama.
When Trump talks about taking back the Panama Canal, many Panamanians recall "Operation Just Cause" -- the 1989 invasion to oust dictator Noriega. Some in El Chorrillo still remember the assault.