Trump instructed the armed forces to increase their presence in the Panama Canal.

The White House has requested the United States Army to prepare options to increase the U.S. military presence in Panama with the aim of fulfilling President Donald Trump's goal of reclaiming the Panama Canal.

During a speech before Congress, Trump mentioned that his administration would seek to reclaim the canal, although the use of military force has not been ruled out to achieve this.

The United States Southern Command is developing strategies ranging from greater collaboration with Panamanian military forces to the less likely option of U.S. troops taking control of the canal by force.

The U.S. intention is to increase its presence to reduce China's influence in the region, especially regarding access to the canal.

Both Panama and China have denied any foreign interference in the canal, whose neutrality is enshrined in the Panamanian Constitution. Meanwhile, Chinese officials have accused the United States of pressuring Panama to block aid projects from China.

Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of the Southern Command, presented strategy drafts to Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense, who plans to visit Panama next month.

However, U.S. authorities have warned that a U.S. invasion of Panama is unlikely and would only be considered if the increase in military presence doesn't meet Trump's objectives.

Trump has stated that he intends to return the canal's ownership to the United States after Panama took control of it in 1999, following a treaty signed during the administration of Democrat Jimmy Carter.

Additionally, Trump has emphasized the importance of a U.S. military presence in Panama and the canal as a show of strength.

Trump administration officials correctly argue that China's growing presence in the area poses a risk to U.S. national security, as in the event of conflict, Beijing could close the canal to U.S. ships, including military ones.

During his visit to Panama, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed to Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino that the current situation, with Chinese influence in the canal, is unacceptable.

However, Mulino has reiterated that the Panamanian government independently manages the canal and denies having ceded its operation to China.

Recently, China criticized the United States for pressuring Panama not to renew a key infrastructure agreement with Beijing, linking its presence in Panama to the Belt and Road Initiative program.

The current number of U.S. troops in Panama exceeds 200, but fluctuates due to rotations. Some of these troops include special forces units that collaborate with Panamanian forces in combating internal threats.

The options being considered by the Trump administration include ensuring that U.S. ships have safe passage through the canal, restoring full U.S. control over the canal, or securing ports in Panama, even with the possibility of building new ones.

Another aspect of the planning is positioning military forces near Panama in case of regional war or threats to the United States, with the goal of securing the canal and blocking China's access if necessary, but only in times of conflict.

The Panama Canal is one of the busiest maritime routes in the world, and any blockade would mean a significant increase in transportation time and cost.

The United States built the canal between 1904 and 1914, and although Panama assumed control in 1999 following the Torrijos-Carter treaty, U.S. interests remain strong.

In his speech, Trump mentioned that a U.S. company, BlackRock, is purchasing a majority stake in the Panama Ports Company, representing an effort to increase U.S. influence in the region against China.