Pete Hegseth warns China about the Panama Canal control

In Panama, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced significant agreements aimed at ensuring that China does not control the Panama Canal. These arrangements include military cooperation and reaffirmation of Panamanian sovereignty over the strategically vital waterway. Hegseth emphasized the importance of the Canal, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations, as it serves as a critical navigation route between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. has been concerned about China's growing influence in the region and the implications for American security and commerce. The recent declaration, which was signed in collaboration with Panama’s Minister for Canal Affairs, introduces a cost-sharing model to facilitate the passage of U.S. military vessels without incurring additional costs, thereby reinforcing U.S. interests in the area. Hegseth articulated the need for a framework that guarantees "first and free" passage through the Canal, underscoring the strategic significance of maintaining a strong American presence in an era of rising geopolitical tensions. The announcement follows an assertion that the U.S. must protect the Canal from any potential Chinese military leverage, especially as relations between the two nations have soured amid an escalating trade war and other global issues. The new agreements also highlight broader U.S. efforts to curb Chinese influence, advocating for partnerships with allies to counteract the CCP’s reach in the Western Hemisphere. Hegseth's remarks were part of ongoing negotiations that aim to secure American naval operations in the region, emphasizing that China should not be permitted to exert control over significant chokepoints that are essential for maritime trade and military logistics. The alignment between U.S. and Panamanian interests represents a shift back towards prioritizing American strategic goals, particularly in areas that directly impact national security. Overall, Hegseth's visit to Panama and the subsequent agreements illustrate a renewed focus on maintaining American dominance in crucial global waterways. As the U.S. navigates its complex relationship with China, the U.S. government's commitment to ensuring that the Panama Canal remains free from foreign military control becomes an integral part of its strategic landscape. The U.S. posits that maintaining control over the Panama Canal is not only about preserving trade routes but also about safeguarding national interests against threats posed by adversarial nations.