10.04.2025 21:30
U.S. President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth stated in a cabinet meeting that they would remove the Panama Canal from China's influence. In a statement regarding the issue, Hegseth said, "We have sent a large number of troops to Panama and we have filled in some areas that we used to own and no longer do. It is currently very well under control. We are reclaiming the Panama Canal."
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who attended a two-day regional security conference in Panama, held a press conference after returning to Washington to evaluate his visit to the Central American country.
"WE DO NOT WANT WAR WITH CHINA, BUT WAR IS DEFINITELY NOT UNAVOIDABLE" Stating that China poses a threat to the US and the region, Hegseth argued that Chinese-based companies have taken over land and critical infrastructure in strategic sectors such as energy and telecommunications in Central America. Hegseth noted that Beijing is investing in Central America for military advantage and unfair economic gain, saying, "We do not want war with China, but war is definitely not unavoidable. However, together, we must strongly deter China's threats in this hemisphere to prevent war."
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth "WE ARE RECLAIMING THE PANAMA CANAL" Hegseth also reported that during a cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump, they stated that they would remove the Panama Canal from China's influence. Hegseth said, "We have sent a large number of troops to Panama and filled some areas that we used to own and no longer do. It is currently under very good control. We are reclaiming the Panama Canal. China has a lot of influence over the canal. We believe Panama also wants China to leave there."
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE US AND PANAMA The US Secretary of Defense continued his remarks as follows: "Last night, we were in the Panama Canal with our ships and other units under SOUTHCOM Command, and we signed several historic agreements. One is an agreement with the Panama Canal Authority that will allow our ships to pass freely through the Panama Canal. The other is a memorandum of understanding regarding the presence of US troops in jointly designated areas with Panama to protect the Panama Canal from Chinese influence."
TRUMP SAID "WE WILL RECLAIM THE PANAMA CANAL" After taking office, US President Donald Trump stated in a speech to Congress in February, "To further enhance our national security, my administration will reclaim the Panama Canal." The US President had previously stated that they aimed to reduce China's influence here, especially its access to the canal, by increasing the US military presence in Panama. It is reported that more than 40% of the US container traffic, valued at approximately $270 billion annually, passes through the Panama Canal.