U.S. Defense Secretary Warns Against Chinese Influence Over Panama Canal
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has raised concerns about Chinese influence over the Panama Canal, asserting that the United States will not allow any country to jeopardize the canal's operations. His remarks came during a visit to Panama, where he emphasized the importance of maintaining the canal's integrity for U.S. national security and international trade.
Hegseth's statements, made alongside Panama’s President José Rahul Molino, highlight ongoing threats posed by Chinese companies controlling critical infrastructure in the canal area. He claimed that this control could enable surveillance activities that compromise the security and sovereignty of both Panama and the United States. "The U.S.A. will not allow Communist China or any other country to threaten the canal's operation," he asserted.
In response, the Chinese embassy in Panama refuted Hegseth's claims, accusing Washington of blackmail and interference in the region. The tensions surrounding the canal have intensified, especially with President Donald Trump and other officials indicating a desire to reassert U.S. influence over this vital waterway.
Protests erupted in Panama City during Hegseth’s visit, where demonstrators criticized both the U.S. and their own president, accusing him of betraying national sovereignty. The canal, which was built by the U.S. and handed over to Panama in 1999, remains a critical artery for global shipping, with approximately 5% of the world's trade passing through it.
In light of these developments, Panama is under pressure to address the concerns surrounding Chinese corporate presence. CK Hutchinson, a Hong Kong company operating ports at both ends of the canal, announced plans to divest from its operations in Panama, selling its ports to a U.S.-led consortium for $19 billion. This move seems to align with the growing geopolitical pushback against China's influence in Latin America.
As the situation evolves, the implications for U.S.-Panama relations and the broader geopolitical landscape in the region remain significant.
Conclusion
The U.S. stance on the Panama Canal reflects a broader strategy to counter Chinese influence in Latin America. While the canal remains a symbol of historical U.S. presence, current tensions underscore the complexities of international relations in the region. The outcome of these developments will be pivotal in shaping future U.S.-Panama relations and the balance of power in Central America.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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