Donald Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to “take back” the Panama Canal but has not offered specifics about how he would do so. Here is an explanation of the history and laws governing the critical waterway.

An American investment giant has taken control of two major ports in the Panama Canal in a victory for Donald Trump, who has called for alleged Chinese influence to be curbed in the region.

In an address to the nation on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump vowed that his administration would reclaim the Panama Canal, promising to fulfil a promise to retake the critical juncture that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.