Donald Trump has begun his second term as president by ramping up pressure on Panama – threatening to “take back” the Panama Canal and accusing the country of ceding control of the strategically critical waterway to a US rival: China.

The canal’s two biggest ports are operated by a Hong Kong company with global reach. The Trump administration sees a Chinese threat to U.S. security.

By Frankie Mills Panama has strongly rejected US claims about securing free passage for government vessels through the Panama Canal, whilst announcing its withdrawal from China's Belt and Road Initiative amidst growing US pressure over alleged Chinese influence in the region.