Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, announced on Thursday that he has directed the country’s foreign minister to firmly dismiss any assertions regarding Chinese influence over the Panama Canal during a high-level meeting with U.S. military officials.

Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of the U.S. Southern Command, is set to hold discussions with Panamanian authorities on Thursday. The meeting comes amid ongoing concerns raised by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which has claimed that China wields excessive control over the strategic waterway—one of the world’s most vital maritime trade routes.

China, a key trading partner for Panama, has expanded its economic footprint in the region in recent years, including investments in ports and infrastructure surrounding the canal. However, Panama has repeatedly asserted its sovereignty over the canal, which was handed over from U.S. control in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.

The meeting is expected to address broader regional security and trade issues, with Washington closely monitoring Beijing’s growing presence in Latin America.