The Trump administration is taking proactive measures to regain control over the Panama Canal and reduce Chinese influence at its ports.

The critical waterway has a complex history. Why does Trump want it back? And what does China have to do with it?

In response to pressure from the Trump administration, Panama has withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Eric Olander, co-founder of the China-Global South Project, says the U.S. president will likely feel emboldened to seek similar leverage from the more than 100 other countries that are still part of Beijing's infrastructure project.