• Panama has initiated an audit of Hutchison Ports, responding to Trump's claims about foreign control over the Panama Canal.
• President Jose Raul Mulino asserts that the canal is fully under Panamanian control and has lodged a formal complaint with the UN regarding Trump's statements.
• Marco Rubio's upcoming diplomatic visit to Panama comes amidst discussions on illegal migration and U.S.-Panama relations.
• China has rejected any claims of controlling the canal, highlighting its respect for Panama's sovereignty.
• Tensions between the U.S. and Panama heighten as Trump threatens military action to regain control of the canal.

As diplomatic tensions escalate between the U.S. and Panama, President Donald Trump's remarks regarding the Panama Canal have sparked significant controversy. During his inaugural address, Trump reiterated claims that China "is operating the Panama Canal" and announced intentions to reclaim control over the strategically vital waterway, which has been under Panamanian authority since 1999. According to sources, Panama aims to counter this narrative by conducting an audit of Hutchison Port Holdings, the company managing key terminals at both ends of the canal.

President Mulino responded vigorously, stating, "The canal is and will remain Panamanian," firmly denying any allegations of foreign control. Furthermore, the Panamanian government has lodged a complaint with the United Nations, referencing the violation of its territorial sovereignty as indicated in the UN Charter. The administration underscored Panama's independent operational management and reported that, despite the claims of foreign-influenced control, the canal continues to serve the interests of global commerce effectively.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to undertake a diplomatic mission to Panama in late January, addressing pressing issues related to illegal migration and U.S.-Pacific trade relations. His visit will also include stops in Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, reflecting a broader goal of strengthening U.S. influence in the region. Rubio has echoed concerns regarding potential Chinese encroachment within Panamanian operations, declaring this a "legitimate issue" needing careful examination. Observers believe that these diplomatic engagements underscore the U.S. administration's attempts to reassess its strategy in Latin America amidst growing Chinese investments and influence.

As China continues to assert that it has never interfered with canal operations, emphasizing respect for Panama’s jurisdiction, the geopolitical landscape remains complex. The role of Hutchison Port Holdings, a company with ties to Hong Kong, adds further scrutiny to U.S.-China relations regarding the canal. This rich historical backdrop of U.S. involvement in Panama's sovereignty through past interventions complicates the current dialogue surrounding control and ownership of such a crucial maritime route.

For a deeper dive into these developments, follow the [SCMP](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3295755/panamas-audit-hong-kongs-hutchison-aims-counter-us-canal-narrative), [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1km4vj3pl0o), and other credible sources.