The Pentagon chief announced a series of “bold steps” to ensure the safety of the vital waterway.
The U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that the United States intends to wrest control of the Panama Canal from Chinese influence. He announced military deployments and joint exercises with Panama to solidify this commitment.
During the opening of a new U.S.-funded dock at the Vasco Nunez de Balboa Naval Base, Hegseth highlighted the facility as representing a “shared commitment to the canal’s security.” This follows President Trump’s repeated declarations to “reclaim” the crucial waterway.
“China didn’t build, doesn’t operate, and won’t weaponize this canal,” Hegseth stated. He added, “Together, with allies and partners, we will reclaim the Panama Canal from China’s influence. This exemplifies peace through strength.”
Hegseth reiterated the U.S. warning about “ongoing threats” stemming from China’s control of infrastructure in the area. He accused China of exploiting economic leverage for intelligence gathering. “China-based companies continue to control critical infrastructure in the canal area, potentially enabling surveillance activities across Panama,” he asserted.
Panamanian officials have previously dismissed Trump’s claims and threats. The Panama Canal Authority insists that Panamanians alone operate the canal, with no evidence of Chinese control. President José Raúl Mulino has affirmed that the canal is part of Panama’s “inalienable patrimony” and emphasized the country’s complete control over its operations.
However, following a personal ultimatum delivered by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Panama in February, Mulino conceded to Washington by opting not to renew Panama’s 2017 agreements with China under the Belt and Road Initiative.
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