President Donald Trump reiterated his vow to “take back” the Panama Canal on Sunday, warning of “powerful” US action in an escalating diplomatic dispute with the Central American country over China’s presence around the vital waterway.

The secretary of state said the United States could take steps to “protect its rights.” Panama’s leader said he was sure that President Trump wouldn’t seize the canal.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told Panama’s president that the Central American ally must reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal area or face potential retaliation from the Trump administration.