Panama took full control of the canal in 1999, which it operates through the Panama Canal Authority (PCA). In December, Mr Trump threatened to seize control of the canal, declaring the waterway as vital to America’s security and economic interests but it was being run in a “very unfair and injudicious way”.

US President Donald Trump's threat to seize the Panama Canal over alleged undue Chinese influence may really be aimed at limiting Beijing's growing diplomatic and economic presence in Latin America, experts say.

The head of the agency that regulates US ocean-going transport says Washington ‘is not without options’ to deal with Chinese influence.

Chair Louis E. Sola will address the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, raising concerns about Chinas growing presence in Panama and its influence on the Panama Canal. Solas