The Panamanian leader says he was “incredibly surprised” by the statement, as President Trump threatens a U.S. takeover of the strategic waterway.

Navy use of the canal is infrequent, with about 40 vessels transiting annually, excluding the service’s aircraft carriers, which are too large. Allowing free access would reportedly save the U.S. about $13 million each year, according to the WSJ report.

Santo Domingo.- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it “absurd” that U.S. Navy ships must pay to cross the Panama Canal after Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino denied an agreement for free passage.