Ricaurte Vásquez denied Trump’s claims that China was controlling the canal’s operations, and said making exceptions to current rules controlling its operation would lead to “chaos.”

Treaties ratified by the Senate in 1978 established permanent neutrality, but some Republicans regret that decision.

Donald Trump has refused to rule out using military force to retake the Panama Canal that was returned by the US to Panama decades ago.

Control of the Panama Canal, once a key U.S. presidential campaign issue for Ronald Reagan and an animating topic for people ranging from film legend John Wayne to an unpredictable Canadian-born U.S.

The Panama Canal Authority chief dismissed President-elect Trump’s claims that China is controlling the trade route and criticized his comments about fees. Ricaurte Vásquez Morales told The Wall

The canal executive said China doesn’t control route and U.S. ships can’t get better rates than others.

S.D., introduced the Panama Canal Repurchase Act, co-sponsored by 15 other House Republicans, amid President-elect Trump's concerns.