President Donald Trump again made clear his desire to retake the Panama Canal on Sunday, saying if the United States isn't able to, then "something very powerful is going to happen."
Speaking to reporters, Trump cited China as his reasoning and suggested it has taken complete control of the key waterway.
"China is running the Panama Canal that was not given to China, that was given to Panama foolishly, but they violated the agreement, and we’re going to take it back, or something very powerful is going to happen," he said.
The new comments follow Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to the country over the weekend, during which he told Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino that the canal must be rid of Chinese influence or else Panama could face retaliation from the Trump administration.
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However, Mulino said Rubio did not make any real threats about “retaking the canal or the use of force.”
The Panamanian president has continuously said control over the canal is not negotiable and belongs under Panama's sovereignty. He reiterated that sentiment on Sunday following his talks with Rubio, while also announcing that the country would not be renewing its Belt and Road Initiative agreement with China.