US President Donald Trump said that the solution to the Panama Canal issue would not require the involvement of the US military.
"I don't think troops will be necessary in Panama," Trump told reporters at the airport on his way to the White House. The conversation was broadcast on US TV channels.
Trump stressed that the United States intended to prevent China from "controlling" the Panama Canal.
Trump said in his inauguration speech that the United States intended to regain control of the Panama Canal, which he said "was handed over to Panama" but has now fallen under Chinese influence.
Sputnik