Panamanian officials offer concessions on Rubio’s first overseas stop, but say they cannot negotiate on control of the waterway.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is arguing that the presence of two Hong Kong companies and other Chinese firms violates a treaty Panama has with the U.S.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Panamanian leaders that the US would protect its rights under the Panama Canal Treaty if the Central American nation didn’t move to oust Chinese-connected companies near the critical waterway.