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Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panama to encourage a reduction in Chinese influence over the Panama Canal. This resulted in Panama renouncing its involvement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, potentially signaling a shift in how Central America engages with both superpowers in the future.
Escalating Spy Activity
On the espionage front, the Philippines has dismantled a Chinese spy ring primarily aimed at surveilling U.S. and allied military infrastructure. The Filipino government arrested five Chinese nationals who were using advanced surveillance technology, including LiDAR, to monitor military sites. This operation follows other high-profile espionage incidents involving Chinese nationals in the region.