U.S. warns of alarming Chinese military presence in the Western Hemisphere

In Panama, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has reiterated concerns regarding China's military involvement in the Western Hemisphere, emphasizing its potential threat to the Panama Canal. This statement was made during a regional security conference, where he highlighted that companies linked to China are increasingly controlling vital land and infrastructure. Hegseth emphasized that China's investments in the region are primarily driven by military objectives and aims for economic dominance. Following a meeting with Panama's President José Raúl Mulino, the two nations agreed to enhance security coordination regarding mutual concerns. In recent discussions, the U.S. has expressed its apprehensions about the implications of China's influence, particularly given its involvement in critical logistics and the operations of the Panama Canal. President Donald Trump has previously claimed that the U.S. is overpaying for its usage of the canal and suggested that China exerts considerable influence over its operations. Although Panama has denied such allegations, the talks have cast a spotlight on the complexities of U.S.-Panama relations amid China's growing investments. Hegseth's meeting with Mulino was significant, as they explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation on security issues affecting both nations. Furthermore, Hegseth urged the countries of the Western Hemisphere to unite against the challenges stemming from both Chinese influence and the threats posed by criminal organizations such as transnational drug cartels. The urgency of this call to action reflects broader geopolitical tensions as the U.S. aims to ensure its strategic interests in the region. The remarks come in the wake of statements from the Chinese Embassy in Panama, which accused the U.S. of using coercive tactics to protect its interests, reaffirming Panama's right to engage in international business freely. The current backdrop of these discussions revolves around a lease held by the Hong Kong-based consortium CK Hutchison for managing ports at either end of the Panama Canal. An audit revealed irregularities, prompting criticism from both the U.S. and the Chinese sides as CK Hutchison plans to sell its controlling interest in the ports to a consortium that includes American investment firm BlackRock Inc. This shift could ultimately lead to American control of crucial logistics points in the region, heightening the stakes of the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and China.