Minister of Defense Pete Hegseth The United States will regain the Panama Canal from “China’s influence” when Washington tries to regain control of its main trade routes.
“The United States of America will not allow China or any other country to threaten the canal’s actions or integrity,” he said in a news event in Central American countries. “To this end, the United States and Panama have done more in strengthening our defense and security cooperation in recent weeks than in decades.
He added: “Together we will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence.”
Panama Security Minister Frank Abrego welcomed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Presidential Palace in Panama City, Panama City, on April 8, 2025. (Daniel A. Gonzalez/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Panama repeatedly rejects the Trump administration’s statement of China effectively Control the canal As it operates two main ports at either end of the waterway.
But Central American countries have withdrawn signals from the 2017 Belt and Road Initiative agreement reached with Beijing earlier this year, suggesting that Panama has chosen to be with the Trump administration in this geopolitical quarrel.
Hegseth listed a series of joint exercises, operations, and the general presence of the U.S. military around and around the canal to oppose China, although Fox News digital numbers could not reach the Pentagon immediately to confirm whether this indicates whether the presence in the area has increased.
A protester protested against the slogan beside the riot police during a visit to Defense Minister Pete Hegseth in Panama City on April 8, 2025. (Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images)
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“Our relationship with Panama, especially our security relationship, will continue to grow in the coming months and years,” Heggs said. “Our relationship is developing in part because of the challenges of Communist China.”
The Minister of Defense said Chinese companies Continuing to install “critical infrastructure” in the canal gives China the “potential” ability to “conduct surveillance”.
On December 28, 2024, two cargo ships sailed on Lake Gatun near Agua Clara Lock in Palma City, Panama, December 28, 2024. (Arnulfo Franco/AFP via Getty Images)
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“This makes Panama and the United States less secure, prosperous, less sovereign,” he added.
“I think it’s very clear. China has not built this canal. China has not operated this canal, and China will not weaponize this canal,” said Hegss.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News numbers.
