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.

Panama has reportedly submitted a formal letter to the U.N. rejecting Trump's statement about reclaiming the canal. The country's President José Raúl Mulino said in the letter, dated January 20, that the canal "is and will continue to be Panama's," the New York Times reported.

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

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

On Monday, President Trump said of the Panama Canal, “We’re taking it back.” The letter from Panama cited articles of the U.N. charter that prohibit member states from using threats and force.

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,

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.

Panama has complained to the United Nations over US President Donald Trump's "worrying" threat to seize the Panama Canal, even as it ... In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ...

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ... repeated his complaint that China was effectively "operating" the Panama Canal through its growing presence around the waterway, which ...

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.