China's influence on the Panama Canal is a major risk to U.S. national security, Sen. Ted Cruz told lawmakers during a Senate hearing on Capitol Hill.

Trump has called for the U.S. to take back control of the Panama Canal, warning of heavy Chinese activity in the region.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), the chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, discussed a scenario in which China could disrupt U.S. trade by blocking off the canal.

Sen Ted Cruz (R-Texas) outlines President Trump's case for retaking Panana Canal at the Senate Commerce Committee hearing. Trump has complained about China’s rising influence over the canal and criticised turning over control of the canal to Panama.

While repeating Trump’s lies about Panama, Senate leaders from both parties provide fraudulent justifications for a military intervention against the impoverished Central American country.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held a hearing Tuesday morning focused on the Panama Canal’s impact on U.S. trade and national security. Witnesses include

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators on Tuesday expressed alarm at China's influence on the Panama Canal, which President Donald Trump has vowed the United States would take back.

Senator Ted Cruz on Tuesday warned against the China's influence on the Panama Canal, saying it poses threat to US national security.

The Tuesday hearing delved into security issues and foreign influence on the foremost maritime channel connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Texas, warns lawmakers about China's influence on Panama during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation hearing.

PANAMA CITY (AP) — Panama President José Raúl Mulino said Thursday there will be no negotiation with the United States over ownership of the Panama Canal, and he hopes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit will allow them to focus on shared interests including migration and combating drug trafficking.