Republicans propose legislation to reacquire Panama Canal amid Trump's worries about Chinese influence.

On Thursday, House Republicans presented a bill proposing that the US repurchase the Panama Canal, following President-elect Trump's assertions that the canal, a vital waterway, is under Chinese control.

Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., a member of the Select Committee on China and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the bill known as the Panama Canal Repurchase Act.

"Johnson stated that President Trump is correct in considering purchasing the Panama Canal again. The presence of China around the canal is a cause for concern, and America must demonstrate strength abroad by owning and operating the canal. This step could contribute to a stronger America and a more secure world."

The bill has 15 other Republican co-sponsors, including Reps. Dan Crenshaw, Randy Weber, Troy Nehls, and Brian Babin of Texas; Mike Collins, Barry Loudermilk, and Andrew Clyde of Georgia; Barry Moore of Alabama; Jack Bergman of Michigan; Mike Rulli of Ohio; Neal Dunn and Aaron Bean of Florida; Erin Houchin of Indiana; Abraham Hamadeh of Arizona; and Mike Lawler of New York.

The bill, if passed, would grant the president the power to collaborate with the secretary of state in initiating and conducting negotiations with Panama's government to regain control of the Panama Canal.

The president has 180 days from the date of enactment to submit a report to Congress on the negotiations' progress, challenges, and outcomes.

Approximately 72% of the ships passing through the Panama Canal are bound for or originating from a U.S. port, according to the U.S. Department of State.

The canal's strategic importance to the United States was highlighted by Johnson's office, who also emphasized its role as a key transit point for U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Defense vessels. Without access to the canal, ships would have to travel an additional 8,000 miles around South America.

According to Johnson's office, the Panama Canal generates billions of dollars in tolls annually from more than 10,000 ships using it, which economically benefits America.

During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, Trump was questioned about whether he would guarantee that he would not employ "military or economic pressure" to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland.

"I cannot guarantee the outcome of those two options. However, I can say that the Panama Canal is crucial for our economic security. The Panama Canal was constructed for our military. It is currently being operated by China, which has abused the gift we gave them. It should have never been handed over to China."

The Panamanian government has refuted claims that China is controlling the Panama Canal, which was handed over to Panama by the United States on December 31, 1999, under a treaty negotiated by Jimmy Carter.

The Panama Canal region is witnessing an increasing impact of China's influence, as stated by Johnson's office.

The congressman's office stated that in 2018, Panama became the first Latin American country to join China's Belt and Road Initiative, and since then, investments from Chinese firms in canal infrastructure have continued to increase. Additionally, Chinese companies have been granted managing rights for the two ports located on either side of the canal.

For decades, Hutchison Ports PPC has managed two seaports situated on either side of the Panama Canal, according to a report by the New York Times.

The Chinese government has intensified its enforcement of national security laws on Hong Kong, compelling companies to cooperate with intelligence gathering and military operations, as reported by the newspaper.