U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday warned Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino that Washington will "take measures necessary" if Panama does not immediately take steps to end what President Donald Trump sees as China's influence and control over the Panama Canal.

The secretary of state said the United States could take steps to “protect its rights.” Panama’s leader said he was sure that President Trump wouldn’t seize the canal.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the country amid US threats to retake control of the Panama Canal.