The former US ambassador to Panama harshly criticized President Donald Trump, specifically the President's approach towards relations with Latin American nations, comparing him to the merciless fictional mob boss Tony Soprano.

It was the first public announcement of promises hinted at by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said that Panama offered concessions during his talks on Sunday.

The decision could reshape economic ties in the region as U.S.-China tensions escalate.

Panama Ports Company -- a CK Hutchison Holdings subsidiary -- currently manages the ports of Cristobal on the canal's Atlantic side and Balboa on the Pacific side.

The canal authority said it will "optimize transit priority" of such ships through the waterway.

The Panamanian government had signed the agreement in 2017. Rubio had told President Mulino to reduce Chinese influence around the canal or face consequences

On his first trip overseas as the top US diplomat, Rubio took a guided tour of the canal accompanied by its Panamanian administrator as a South Korean-affiliated oil tanker and Marshall Islands-flagged cargo ship passed through the vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Senator Marco Rubio urged Panama to reduce China's growing influence over the Panama Canal, warning of potential consequences if the country does not take action.

The visit follows Trump's pledge to "take back" the Panama Canal, as China's growing influence in Latin America sparks concerns among Republican leaders.

Jose Raul Mulino said he won't discuss control of the canal during the secretary of state's visit. Rubio, in contrast, said "we're going to address that topic."

Jose Raul Mulino said the matter is "sealed" as the "canal belongs to Panama"

The accusation takes place during the same week that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit the country in his first international trip since assuming the role

Trump's canal claims would undermine U.S.-Panama relations, boost China's influence, and revive regional tensions, harming both countries' interests, two experts argued

The nonbinding resolution comes amid concerns from Trump and his allies about China's expanding influence in Latin America.

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the government in Panama City referred to an article of the UN Charter precluding any member from "the threat or use of force" against the territorial integrity or political independence of another.

"China is using the Panama Canal and we did not give it to China. We gave it to Panama. And we will get it back," Trump said during his inauguration

"China is controlling the Panama Canal," said Trump. " And we didn't give it to China, we gave it to Panama, so we're taking it back"

Analysts believe takeover comments could be aimed at getting lower fees, but they could also push Panama to embrace China

This is the second proposal tied to Trump's foreign policy comments after one tied to renaming the Gulf of Mexico

In a rambling press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump said he would not rule out using military or economic coercion to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal, and vowed to bring Canada to heel.

President-elect Trump names Cabrera, a Miami-Dade commissioner, as envoy to Panama, reigniting tensions over canal fees and Chinese influence near the waterway.

Jose Raul Mulino has also rejected any chances of lowering rates after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said the country should take back the route

Over the holidays Trump reiterated that the U.S. could reclaim the Panama Canal, annex Canada, and acquire Greenland

Jose Raul Mulino said that "tolls are not set at the whim of the (Panamanian) president and the administrator" but through a "public and open process"

Protestors in Panama have burned the American flag as well as an images of Donald Trump, after Trump demanded that control of the Panama Canal be handed over.

The US president-elect on Saturday had slammed what he called unfair fees for US ships passing through the Panama Canal and threatened to demand control of the waterway be returned to Washington.

The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is an important route for global trade. President-elect Donald Trump criticized the United States for giving it up to Panama.

President-elect Donald Trump has warned that the U.S. could take back control of the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of charging excessive fees on U.S. ships that are using the crucial waterway for shipping.

Unlike other waterways such as the Suez Canal, the Panama Canal, which usually handles about six percent of global maritime trade, operates with rainwater from the artificial lakes Gatun and Alajuela.

The Panama Canal Authority said Monday that it had informed clients it would gradually allow up to 32 ships through per day, compared with a limit of 27 announced a month ago.