Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to Panama and "will remain so," and "the sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable," said Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on Sunday, after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to retake the canal.

The canal is a reminder of the nation's struggle to reclaim its independence and chart its own future.

On Jan. 9, 1964, the "Flag Protests" escalated into violent clashes after U.S. residents in the Panama Canal Zone tore a Panamanian flag brought by local students.

The violence prompted Panama to appeal to international bodies. In 1973, the United Nations Security Council held a rare session in Panama City, with then Panamanian leader General Omar Torrijos delivering a blistering speech condemning U.S. colonialism.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service■