The U.S. Department of State said on Wednesday American government vessels can now transit the Panama Canal without charge fees. "The government of Panama has agreed to no longer charge fees for U.S.

The Panama Canal Authority late Wednesday said it has made no change to its tolls or other fees, denying the Trump administration claim that it has agreed to no longer charge U.S. government vessels for using it.

President Trump is wrong when he says China controls the Panama Canal. But the U.S. rival does have influence there, and the administration is moving to counter it.