President Donald Trump's suggestion of the U.S. taking control of the Panama Canal has a legal basis partly due to potential treaty violations involving Chinese activities in Panama.

At a hearing in response to President Donald Trump's threats to "take back" the Panama Canal, senators were concerned over Chinese influence on the canal.

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.

In his inaugural address, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to put the Panama Canal back under the control of the United States, amid fear of growing Chinese encroachment. U.S. senators examined security concerns surrounding the canal Tuesday.

The US Senate Committee held a high-stakes hearing on the Panama Canal amid President Trump’s bold threat to 'take it back.' US senator Dan Sullivan raised alarming questions about US military vulnerability,