Panama's president has denied claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that America is literally retaking the canal.
The commander's comments come amid concerns from Congress that the Pentagon is considering reducing the number of U.S. troops on the continent.
Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield represented the U.S. in NATO's Military Commission, the alliance's leading military board.
The Trump administration has discussed the Panama Canal as part of its goal to expand America's territory.
