In a message posted to his Truth Social account on Wednesday, Trump wrote: "Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal". Mulino called the claim "nonsense" and said that there is "absolutely no Chinese interference".

Republicans hoping to thwart Beijing’s influence in Latin America are urging the Panamanian government to cut ties with Chinese entities.

The Panamanian government formally raised concerns with the United Nations over President Trump’s threats to retake the Panama Canal, noting any threat of force would violate rules. In

President Trump again threatened to take control of the Panama Canal, saying in his inaugural address, “We’re taking it back.” Trump has previously threatened to take over of the Panama Canal and take control of Greenland from Denmark.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States would take back the Panama Canal, but he gave no further detail in his inaugural address after being sworn in. "The purpose of our deal and the spirit of our treaty has been totally violated,