Hegseth Vows U.S. and Panama to Eliminate China's Influence Over Panama Canal
During his visit, Hegseth promised to safeguard the Panama Canal from Chinese control amid heightened tensions and ongoing port dealings.
Hegseth's comments following a meeting with Panama President José Raúl Mulino that the U.S. and Panamanian officials would "take back" the key trade route "from China's influence" build on previous warnings from Trump administration officials, and they drew a strong rebuke from Beijing.
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President Trump has sought to reclaim the canal from Panama, citing national security concerns over Chinese-owned companies being allowed to operate port facilities on both the entry and exit points of the waterway, as well as much of the infrastructure that surrounds it.
Pete Hegseth vows to ‘take back’ Panama Canal from ‘China’s influence’
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The visit comes amid tensions over Trump’s repeated assertions that the U.S. is being overcharged to use the Panama Canal and that China has influence over its operations—allegations that Panama has denied.
Hegseth Says China Threatens the Panama Canal
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The message had a more conciliatory tone compared with that of his boss, President Trump, who has vowed to take back the Panama Canal from Panama.
Hegseth rebuffs China’s influence at Panama Canal
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The U.S. has carried out a sensationalistic campaign about the 'theoretical Chinese threat' in an attempt to sabotage Chinese-Panamanian cooperation, which is all just rooted in the United States' own geopolitical interests.
China reacts to Pete Hegseth's Panama Canal remarks
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The controller, Anel Flores, said he would file a complaint with the prosecutor’s office and added that it was up to the government agency that awards port concessions to determine whether the contract with CK Hutchison was illegal.
Panama Official Accuses Hong Kong Port Operator of Misconduct
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Summary
During his visit to Panama, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the importance of security cooperation to counter Chinese influence over the Panama Canal. Hegseth warned of ongoing threats, citing concerns about Hong Kong-based companies controlling ports critical to the canal's infrastructure. Following a meeting with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, Hegseth stated that both nations would work together to enhance security and potentially reform toll fees for U.S. ships. The U.S. and Panama are committed to upholding the canal’s neutrality. The Chinese government, in response, accused the U.S. of geopolitical maneuvering.
Perspectives
The U.S. is taking measures to prevent China from exerting influence over the Panama Canal, emphasizing a strong defense partnership with Panama.
U.S. officials assert that China presents a security threat to the canal's operation, despite Panama's rejection of claims regarding Chinese control.
Recent reports suggest potential issues regarding port operations in Panama, driven by disputes over contracts with China-based companies.
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