The Panama Canal cannot fall under Chinese control, as China’s investments and operations in the region are seen as attempts to gain a military advantage and “unfair” economic benefits, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Wednesday.
Speaking at the Central American Security Conference in Panama City, Hegseth emphasized that President Donald Trump has made it clear that the canal and surrounding areas will not be controlled by China. He also stated that the US does not seek war with China but must prevent conflict by strongly deterring Chinese threats in the region.
The US is working closely with Panama to secure the canal, Hegseth added, stressing that China’s growing control over strategic infrastructure in the hemisphere is unacceptable. Trump’s earlier comments in February indicated that Panama violated its agreement with the US regarding the canal, prompting the US to reclaim control, which led to Panama’s exit from China’s Belt and Road initiative.
