US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has demanded that Panama make "immediate changes" to what he calls the "influence and control" of China over the Panama Canal. America's top diplomat said Panama must act or the US would take necessary measures to protect its rights under a treaty between the two countries.

President José Mulino said Panama's sovereignty over the world's second busiest waterway is not up for discussion.

The secretary of state said the United States could take steps to “protect its rights.” Panama’s leader said he was sure that President Trump wouldn’t seize the canal.