Panama police clash with protesters ahead of Trump envoy visit

Panamanian police on Friday fired tear gas and clashed with protesters angered by Donald Trump's threat to take control of the Panama Canal, ahead of a visit this weekend by the US president's top diplomat.

The demonstrators, who included university students and teachers, burned an effigy and photos of Trump -- who accuses China of unfair influence over the interoceanic waterway -- and his Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The protesters "categorically reject the United States' attempts to turn Panama into a protectorate and a colony again," said teachers' union leader Diogenes Sanchez.

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"We are going to fight to defend our national sovereignty," he added.

Earlier, another group of protesters burned tires before they were dispersed by riot police.

The unrest came on the eve of a visit by Rubio to the Central American nation, part of his first trip abroad in the post.

Trump, in his inaugural address on January 20, alleged that China was effectively "operating" the waterway, which the United States handed to Panama in 1999.

"We didn't give it to China, we gave it to Panama. And we're taking it back," Trump said.

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino this week ruled out negotiations with the United States over ownership of the canal.

"I cannot negotiate, much less open a process of negotiations on the canal. That (the matter) is sealed. The canal is Panama's," said Mulino, who is expected to meet Rubio on Sunday.

Rubio's visit is also expected to address the issue of irregular migration between Colombia and Panama through the Darien jungle, as well as regional security.

After Panama, he is due to visit El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.