Beijing (China), February 21 (HBTV): Following US President Donald Trump’s remarks on ‘taking back’ the Panama Canal from China, the commander of the US military’s Southern Command is visiting the country from February 19-20 to discuss security cooperation, specifically to ‘safeguard the Panama Canal area from China’s influence and control.’

China, meanwhile, stated on Thursday that Beijing has never been involved in the management or operation of the canal and has not interfered in its affairs.

The Chinese Embassy in Panama refuted claims that China controls the canal, calling them ‘nothing but a lie,’ according to a report in the Chinese state media outlet Global Times.

On Wednesday, the United States Embassy in Panama stated that Southern Command Commander Admiral Alvin Holsey is in Panama to meet with the country’s leaders to strengthen cooperation and discuss regional security concerns, including efforts to protect the canal from the influence and control of the Chinese Communist Party.

China, in response, accused the US of making threats to ‘take back’ the canal and attempting to regain control over it. The Chinese Embassy in Panama, as quoted by Global Times, stated that ‘the US’ acts of sabotaging China-Panama relations are unpopular and will not succeed.’

This development comes amid escalating tensions between the US and China following President Trump’s inauguration.

On January 20, during his inaugural address, Trump said, ‘China is operating the Panama Canal. And we didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.’

According to CNN, Trump’s concerns stem from a Hong Kong-based company that operates two major ports at either end of the 50-mile-long waterway, as well as broader anxieties about Beijing’s growing influence in a region where the US has long been the dominant power.

Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino to discuss the situation. According to a US State Department readout, Rubio conveyed Trump’s position that the current status of the canal was ‘unacceptable’ and warned that, without immediate changes, the US would take ‘necessary measures to protect its rights’ under its treaty with Panama.

Following the meeting, Mulino announced that Panama would not renew its Belt and Road Initiative agreement with China.

China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the US for applying ‘pressure and coercion’ to ‘discredit and undermine’ Belt and Road cooperation. A spokesperson, as cited by CNN, stated that Beijing hoped Panama would ‘eliminate external interference’ and ‘make the right decision.’ (ANI)