US, Panama ‘taking back’ canal from ‘China’s influence,’ says Hegseth

‘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.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Tuesday said the U.S. will take back the Panama Canal from “China’s influence” as Washington tries to reassert control over the major trade route.

“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.

Panama has repeatedly rejected the Trump administration’s claims that China effectively controls the canal as it operates two major 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.

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, though Fox News Digital could not immediately reach the Pentagon to confirm whether this signified an increase in U.S. presence in the region.

Related Posts

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Makes Massive Announcement!! This Will Change History

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Makes Massive Announcement!! This Will Change History

BREAKING: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has introduced the “No Tax on Home Sales Act,” which would abolish capital gains taxes on home sales. “Let the American people…

OBSESSION ! Chuchk Schumer Threatens Trump Over BBB !!

OBSESSION ! Chuchk Schumer Threatens Trump Over BBB !!

🚨 BREAKING: Chuck Schumer Lays Groundwork for a Government Shutdown 🚨 Senator Chuck Schumer is already setting the stage to shut down the government if Republicans try…

Newsom ROCKED – Bondi’s Bold Moves After L.A. Riots Will End His Career

Newsom ROCKED – Bondi’s Bold Moves After L.A. Riots Will End His Career

The Department of Justice has announced they are filing a lawsuit against the state of California and the Department of Education for violations of Title IX, for…

Iran-Backed Houthis sink ship in second Red Sea attack

Iran-Backed Houthis sink ship in second Red Sea attack

NEW: Iran-backed Houthi rebels release footage showing them sinking the Greek-operated ‘Magic Seas’ cargo ship. “Get Outta Here” !! NIGHTMARE Comes True China,Rusia,Iran !! Armed men were…

BREAKING ! NEW: Iran-backed Houthi rebels release footage showing them sinking the Greek-operated ‘Magic Seas’ cargo ship.

BREAKING ! NEW: Iran-backed Houthi rebels release footage showing them sinking the Greek-operated ‘Magic Seas’ cargo ship.

NEW: Iran-backed Houthi rebels release footage showing them sinking the Greek-operated ‘Magic Seas’ cargo ship. JUSTIN!! Iran Delivers Furious Warning !! Does Trump need to send the…

Here We Go AGAIN: Federal Judge Goes ROGUE On Trump, Ignores Supreme Court

Here We Go AGAIN: Federal Judge Goes ROGUE On Trump, Ignores Supreme Court

🚨 BREAKING: A Federal judge blocks Trump’s order ending birthright citizenship nationwide. A federal judge in New Hampshire granted class-action status Thursday to a lawsuit seeking to…