Donald Trump has reportedly ordered the US military to come up with plans to increase the number of troops in Panama as part of his mission to “reclaim” the canal. US Southern Command, responsible for security cooperation and operations in Central America, has drafted ideas such as working with the Panamaian military and US troops taking the canal by force, two officials told NBC News. The likelihood of military force depends on the level of partnership agreed upon by the Panamanian military, they added.

This is part of Washington’s plan to reduce the level of influence China has over the region, particularly when it comes to access to the canal, though both China and Panama have denied any foreign interference in the waterway. The US president said last week that “to further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we’ve already started doing it”.

While it remains unclear what “reclaiming means”, the officials said US Southern Command chief Admiral Alvin Holsey sent draft strategies to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth this week ahead of his visit to Panama next month.

They stressed that military action in Panama would only be considered if the country does not allow Mr Trump to “reclaim” the canal.

The Republican said the South American country imposes “ridiculous” and “very unfair” tolls on US ships travelling through the canal.

Currently, tolls are based on the type of vessel passing through and its size, on top of a variable water surchage.

Mr Trump recently praised a group backed by US investment company BlackRock after it agreed to buy a controlling stake in ports on both sides of the canal from a Hong Kong-based conglomerate.

However, he continues to voice his desire to “reclaim” the passage, vital for trade, which has been poorly received in Panama and elsewhere.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino recently maintained in a social media post that “the Panama Canal is not in the process of being reclaimed”.