U.S. President elect Donald Trump appointed Miami-Dade County commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as ambassador to Panama, after threatening to reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal that it handed over to Panama 25 years ago.

Cabrera was described by Trump as a "fierce fighter for America First Principles" who has played a key role in fostering economic growth and international partnerships.

Kevin will do an AMAZING job representing the interests of our Nation in Panama! Few understand Latin American politics like Kevin. Trump posted a message on Truth Social Wednesday.

Trump warned on Sunday that the U.S. would reassert control over Panama Canal. The U.S. had administered it for decades, before it was handed over to Panama in 1998.

Trump claimed that the Central American nation, with which the U.S. had diplomatic relations dating back to 1903, "ripped us off on Panama Canal far beyond their dreams."

He said that Chinese soldiers were illegally operating the Canal and that "the United States always makes sure to put in Billions in'repair money' but will have nothing to say about anything."

On Thursday, Panama's president Jose Raul Mulino said that China has no influence over the administration of the canal and added that there are no Chinese soldiers in the canal.

In a speech he gave on Thursday, he stated that "there are no Chinese soldiers inside the canal. The world is welcome to come and visit the canal."

China does not administer or control the canal. However, a subsidiary of Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings has managed two ports on the Caribbean and Pacific entrances for many years. (Reporting and editing by Frank McGurty, Chris Reese, and Elida Moreno from Panama City)

(source: Reuters)