Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, after a visit to Panama, warned that China is attempting to control the Panama Canal through infrastructure projects and political influence.
He criticized past U.S. inaction, saying America had been “asleep at the wheel,” but under President Trump’s direction, the U.S. is now reasserting its presence in the region.
Hegseth announced two key agreements: U.S. military and auxiliary ships will now move “first and free” through the canal, and a joint security initiative will reopen Fort Sherman. This move strengthens U.S.-Panama defense cooperation and establishes a larger American presence.
He praised Panama’s withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative and pointed to increased U.S. influence as a direct counter to China’s growing surveillance and infrastructure investments. Hegseth called the canal “key terrain” and stressed that protecting it is vital to U.S. national security.
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