Panama has complained to the United Nations over US President Donald Trump's "worrying" threat to seize the Panama Canal, even as it launched an audit of the Hong Kong-linked operator of two ports on the interoceanic waterway.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks soon on his inaugural trip as the United States’ top diplomat. His first stop, Panama could prove to be the most contentious on the itinerary.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino ruled out discussing control of the Panama Canal with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio when he visits the Central American country. "I cannot negotiate and much less open a process of negotiation on the Canal," Mulino said during his weekly press conference, saying the matter is "sealed."

The Panamanian government formally raised concerns with the United Nations over President Trump’s threats to retake the Panama Canal, noting any threat of force would violate rules. In

Doubling down on his pre-inauguration threat to reimpose U.S. control over the canal, Trump on Monday accused Panama of breaking the promises it made for the final transfer of the strategic waterway in 1999 and of ceding its operation to China - claims that the Panamanian government has strongly denied.

Panama sends formal letter to UN rejecting Trump’s remarks about retaking Panama Canal, citing UN rules against threats to sovereignty - Anadolu Ajansı

Panama rejects President Donald Trump's pledge that the United States would be 'taking back' the Panama Canal, saying the key interoceanic waterway would remain under its control.

The United Nations has expressed concerns over remarks by US President Donald Trump that the United States will reclaim the Panama Canal.

The United States will not allow the Panama Canal to be controlled by China. Such a statement, speaking to the faction of the ruling Republican Party of the House of Representatives of the US Congress,

The new Secretary of State already has said the Hong Kong-based operator of Panama Canal-adjacent ports could be a “big national security and defense problem.”

PANAMA CITY: Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday ruled out negotiations with the United States over ownership of the Panama Canal as he prepares to host Donald Trump’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio.