According to a report by Agence France-Presse, on the eve of US Secretary of State Rubio’s visit to Panama on February 1st, Panamanian people held an anti-American demonstration to protest against US President Trump’s threat to seize the Panama Canal.

According to reports, demonstrators, including college students and teachers, burned photos of Trump and Rubio. During this period, clashes broke out between demonstrators and riot police, who fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Sanchez, the leader of the Panamanian teachers union, said that the protesters "firmly oppose the United States' attempt to turn Panama into a protectorate and colony again, and we will fight to defend the country's sovereignty."

Trump has repeatedly mentioned trying to seize control of the Panama Canal recently, and even said he would not rule out the use of military means to do so.

The report mentioned that the anti-American protest rally in Panama was held on the eve of Rubio's arrival in the Central American country. This was Rubio's first overseas trip since becoming Secretary of State.

Panamanian President Mulino has ruled out negotiating with the United States over canal sovereignty. Mulino stated on January 30th that he would not discuss the issue of control of the Panama Canal during his meeting with Rubio.