During his trip to Panama today (8), ostensibly for a Central American Security Conference, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was crystal clear about the absolute priority for US President Donald J. Trump that is securing the Panama Canal, and ridding this vital shipping lane from Chinese influence.
Fox News reported:
“’The United States of America will not allow communist China or any other country to threaten the canal’s operation or integrity’, he said during a press event from the Central American nation. ‘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’, he added.”
Pier 3 tangibly represents America’s and Panama’s shared commitment to the Panama Canal’s security. Thanks to over $5 million in support from @USACEHQ, we have refurbished this pier. pic.twitter.com/tjJDzygniu
— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) April 8, 2025
Panama denies that China would control the canal because it operates two ports on either end of the waterway.
“However, the Central American nation withdrew from its 2017 Belt and Road Initiative agreements with Beijing earlier this year in a signal that Panama has chosen to side with the Trump administration in this geopolitical spat.”
Watch: Hegseth – ‘We will take back Panama Canal from China’s influence’.
We will take back Panama Canal from China’s influence — SecDef Hegseth pic.twitter.com/9s1K0tcsqE
— RT (@RT_com) April 8, 2025
Panama denies that China would control the canal because it operates two ports on either end of the waterway.
“However, the Central American nation withdrew from its 2017 Belt and Road Initiative agreements with Beijing earlier this year in a signal that Panama has chosen to side with the Trump administration in this geopolitical spat.”
Watch: ‘China did not build this canal, China does not operate this canal, and China will not weaponize this canal.’
SecDef Pete Hegseth with the Panama Canal to his back just named checked China:
“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.”
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 8, 2025
“Hegseth laid out a litany of joint exercises, operations and the general presence of the U.S. military in and around the canal in a move to counter China.”
He said Chinese companies install ‘critical infrastructure’ in the canal, allowing the ‘potential ability to conduct surveillance’.
“’This makes Panama and the United States less secure, less prosperous, less sovereign’, he added. 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’, Hegseth said.”
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