U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has met Panama's president on his first stop on his trip foreign trip as President Donald Trump is upping pressure on America's neighbors including a demand for the Panama Canal to be returned to the United States.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland and gaining control over the Panama Canal, deeming it crucial for U.S. national security interests. During an appearance on SiriusXM's "The Megyn Kelly Show,

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday warned Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino that Washington will "take measures necessary" if Panama does not immediately take steps to end what President Donald Trump sees as China's influence and control over the Panama Canal.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says President Donald Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland and retake control of the Panama Canal is driven by legitimate national security interests stemming from growing concerns about Chinese activity in the Arctic and in Latin America.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserts that President Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland and reasserting control over the Panama Canal stems from legitimate national security threats posed by China's growing influence in these strategic areas.

Denmark said on Friday it meant seriously that Greenland is not for sale, after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring the island was “not a joke”.