Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared a win for the Trump administration Tuesday, announcing that the United States and Panama will work together to take back the Panama Canal from “China’s influence” during a high-profile visit to the Central American nation.
“The United States of America will not allow communist China or any other country to threaten the canal’s operation or integrity,” Hegseth said, speaking from a new US-financed pier at the Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Naval Base with the canal as his backdrop. “Together we will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence.”
The defense secretary’s visit comes amid escalating tensions over Chinese commercial operations near the vital shipping lane, which sees approximately $270 billion worth of goods pass through annually.
“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 stated firmly. “Together with Panama in the lead, we will keep the canal secure and available for all nations through the deterrent power of the strongest, most effective, and most lethal fighting force in the world.”
Hegseth’s comments show the progress the Trump administration has made in recent negotiations, striking a different tone from earlier claims that China effectively controls the canal and President Donald Trump’s vow to “reclaim” it from Panama. In his March 5 congressional address, Trump declared that “to further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we’ve already started doing it.”
Panama has shown a willingness to realign more closely with Washington on security matters, withdrawing earlier this year from its 2017 Belt and Road Initiative agreements with Beijing.
During his visit, Hegseth laid out plans for joint military exercises, operations, and an increased US military presence around the canal to counter what he described as China’s growing influence.
“Our relationship with Panama, especially our security relationship, will continue to grow in the months and years ahead,” Hegseth said. “Our relationship is growing in part to meet communist China’s rising challenges.”
The defense secretary warned that Chinese companies are installing “critical infrastructure” in the canal, giving Beijing the ability to “conduct surveillance.”
“This makes Panama and the United States less secure, less prosperous, less sovereign,” he said.
NBC News reported last month that the White House had directed the Pentagon “to draw up options to increase the American troop presence in Panama,” and Trump has not ruled out military force to achieve his goals regarding control of the canal.
Hegseth’s visit included meetings with President Mulino, Public Security Minister Frank Abrego, and other Panamanian officials.