President Donald Trump has instructed the US military to prepare plans to seize the Panama Canal in his bid to “reclaim” the waterway.

Reuters reports that the US Southern Command has developed an array of potential plans to ensure that America has full access to the Panama Canal.

This was confirmed by two military sources.

Draft strategies reportedly range from partnering closely with Panamanian security forces to using American troops to forcibly seize the waterway, which officials say is the less likely option.

It is believed that Adm. Alvin Holsey, Commander of US Southern Command, presented the proposals to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week.

Hegseth is reportedly visiting Panama next month.

Trump has claimed the US needs to take back the canal, because China controls it and could use the waterway to undermine American interests.

In his inaugural speech in January, Trump repeated accusations that Panama has broken the promises it made for the final transfer of the canal in 1999.

Trump ‘orders US military to draw up plans to seize Panama Canal’