Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks soon on his inaugural trip as the United States’ top diplomat. His first stop, Panama could prove to be the most contentious on the itinerary.

President Trump’s reasons for wanting control of the Panama Canal can be found at either end of the interoceanic waterway.Every day, dozens of cargo ships pass by blue cranes at a port near the Pacific Ocean entrance,

US senators heard sharply different analyses about Chinese influence over the Panama Canal on Wednesday, with some experts suggesting solutions ranging from enhanced trade partnerships to military intervention to regain control of the strategic waterway.

Senators on both sides of the aisle raised concerns over how Chinese aggression and influence on the Panama Canal could have major implications on U.S. trade and national security during a hearing in a key Senate committee on Tuesday morning.