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

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.

Panama signed a memo of understanding with China’s Belt and Road global development project that comes up for renewal every three years.