Despite earlier aggressive language from Washington, Panama declared that the United States accepted its authority over the Panama Canal. During his visit, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed Panama’s sovereignty and highlighted the strategic significance of the canal, saying the U.S. and Panama will work together to safeguard it instead of China. In addition to being the first Pentagon leader to visit Panama in decades, the visit featured agreements to improve U.S. military training in the nation.
At a news conference in Panama City, Hegseth stated, “We are helping to take back the Panama Canal from communist Chinese influence.” The Panamanian administration has vehemently denied claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump that China controls the vital canal.
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The United States has valid security worries about China’s involvement in Panama, however, according to current and former U.S. officials and academics. These concerns include the possibility that Chinese-owned ports and other infrastructure may be exploited for military spying.
The United States and Panama jointly released remarks for strengthening security cooperation during Hegseth’s visit. However, a statement referring to Panama’s authority over the canal that was included in the Spanish-language version issued by Panama was omitted from the Pentagon’s English translation.
The statement notes, “In addition, Secretary Hegseth recognized the leadership and inalienable sovereignty of Panama over the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas.”
Just before he boarded his trip back to Washington, Hegseth told reporters, “We certainly respect the sovereignty of the Panamanians and the Panama Canal.”
He was appreciative that U.S. forces were allowed to enter Panama “by invitation through rotational, joint exercises.”
Frank Abrego, Panama’s public security minister, declared that the country would not permit long-term military installations.
Abrego shared with reporters, “Secretary Hegseth, in the meeting we had in private, recognized the sovereignty of Panama over the Panama Canal.”
Over two-thirds of the vessels that travel through the second-busiest interoceanic canal in the world every day are part of the Panama Canal, which handles more than 40% of the container traffic in the United States, valued at over $270 billion annually.
Hegseth’s visit came as rumors circulated that the Trump administration had asked the U.S. military for alternatives to guarantee access to the canal, which the US constructed over a century ago and gave to Panama in 1999.
Trump has claimed that the United States lost out on a good bargain when the canal was turned over. Trump has used more general language and has not ruled out the use of military force, whereas Hegseth discussed collaborating with Panama to eliminate “malign” Chinese influence. Speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, a U.S. defense official stated that the United States recognized and honored Panama’s sovereignty sensitivities.
Hegseth noted, “Any sense or specter of infringement on their sovereignty, or any suspicion of ‘taking’ I guess by anyone – whether it would be the U.S. or the Chinese — is hugely problematic.”
Hegseth recently met with Panama’s president, Jose Raul Mulino, who is a willing partner for the United States in combating Chinese influence, according to current and former U.S. officials and academics.
Mulino has supported Trump’s immigration crackdown and declared Panama’s official withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative in February. Hegseth frequently lauded Mulino, claiming that his administration recognized China’s threat.
Hegseth stated, “We are deeply grateful for the friendship of our Panamanian counterparts, your partnership and your leadership here in Panama and across the region.”
