Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's high-stakes visit to Panama signals a dramatic shift in U.S. policy regarding the strategic waterway.
According to Fox News, Hegseth declared during a press event in Panama that the United States and Panama are joining forces to counter China's growing influence over the Panama Canal, marking a significant escalation in the geopolitical tensions surrounding the vital trade route.
The defense secretary's bold statements come as Panama withdrew from its 2017 Belt and Road Initiative agreements with Beijing earlier this year, demonstrating a clear shift in allegiance toward Washington. This development represents a major victory for the Trump administration's efforts to diminish Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere.
Military cooperation strengthens US-Panama alliance
U.S. military presence around the canal is set to increase as part of a comprehensive strategy to counter Chinese influence. The Pentagon's enhanced commitment includes joint exercises and operations, though specific details about the scope of these activities remain unclear.
Panama has consistently rejected claims by the Trump administration regarding Chinese control of the canal. However, the Central American nation's recent actions suggest a growing alignment with U.S. interests in the region.
Hegseth expressed particular concern about China-based companies installing critical infrastructure along the canal, which he claims could enable surveillance activities. This technological presence has become a focal point of U.S. security concerns.
Chinese influence sparks defense secretary's warning
During his address, Hegseth delivered a stern message regarding China's involvement in the strategic waterway. His words reflected the administration's uncompromising stance on foreign influence in the region:
The United States of America will not allow communist China or any other country to threaten the canal's operation or integrity. To this end, the United States and Panama have done more in recent weeks to strengthen our defense and security cooperation than we have in decades. Together we will take back the Panama Canal from China's influence.
The defense secretary's visit prompted protests in Panama City, highlighting the complex nature of U.S.-Panama relations. Local demonstrators gathered near the event venue to express their opposition to Hegseth's presence.
Panama's decision to distance itself from Chinese influence marks a significant diplomatic victory for the United States. The move aligns with broader U.S. efforts to counter China's expanding global infrastructure network.
Strategic waterway faces mounting tensions
Chinese companies' involvement in critical infrastructure has raised red flags among U.S. defense officials. The Pentagon views these installations as potential security vulnerabilities that could compromise both American and Panamanian interests.
Hegseth emphasized the sovereignty concerns associated with the Chinese presence near the canal. He argued that the current situation undermines both nations' security and prosperity.
The defense secretary made a clear distinction regarding China's role in the canal's operations:
I want to be very clear. China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal, and China will not weaponize this canal.
Future of Panama Canal security takes shape
The U.S. defense chief's visit to Panama represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for influence over one of the world's most crucial maritime trade routes. Secretary Hegseth's declarations in Panama City outlined the administration's commitment to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation and reducing Chinese presence in the region. The strategic partnership between the United States and Panama continues to evolve as both nations work to secure the canal's operations. While China maintains commercial interests through its operation of two major ports at either end of the waterway, the U.S. and Panama's enhanced security cooperation signals a new chapter in the canal's administration and defense posture.
