US to take back Panama Canal from Chinese influence, visiting Pentagon chief says

Pete Hegseth: U.S. Will Reclaim Influence Over Panama Canal

During a Cabinet meeting hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revealed that the U.S. had signed "historic deals" with Panama aimed at reasserting American influence over the Panama Canal. “We just got back from Panama last night. We were at the Panama Canal… and signed a couple of historic deals. We’re taking back the canal. China’s had too much influence. Obama and others let them creep in. We, …

Timeline: Panama Canal Politics, Policy, and Tensions

By Greg Collard and James Rushmore Hegseth’s visit to Panama includes strongly-worded speeches directed at China While the trade war with China plays out, another war of political rhetoric is heating up again over the Panama Canal. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was in Panama this week, and pointed out America’s military presence and joint training exercises with Panamanians. Though he said the U.S. doesn’t seek war and that “war with China is c…

China poses ongoing threat to Panama Canal: Pentagon chief

This article was originally published by Radio Free Asia and is reprinted with permission. China’s control of Panama Canal ports is an unacceptable threat to U.S. security, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a visit to the central American nation, underlining U.S. efforts to bolster its influence in the Western hemisphere. The Panama Canal has become a focal point of geopolitical tension, as China’s involvement in its ports raises U.S. c…

Pentagon chief says US could ‘revive’ Panama bases

PANAMA CITY: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth floated the idea on Wednesday of US troops returning to Panama to “secure” its strategically vital canal, a suggestion quickly shot down by the Central American country’s government. Hegseth suggested during a visit to Panama that “by invitation” the United States could “revive” military bases or naval air stations and rotate

Panama and the U.S. Strengthen Security Ties, Counter China’s Influence in Key Canal Region

The U.S. and Panama strengthen security ties to counter China, including reopening a former military base and joint defense exercises. Panama exits China’s Belt and Road Initiative, marking a diplomatic win for the U.S. The U.S. reinforces control over the Panama Canal, ensuring neutrality against China’s influence. Fort Sherman reopens, boosting U.S. jungle warfare training and regional military readiness. New agreements secure trade routes, co…

Panama and US lock in new security pact for Canal as China tensions simmer

close Video US, Panama ‘taking back’ canal from ‘China’s influence’ says Hegseth Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth says the US and Panama have made moves to strengthen ties and remove ‘China’s influence’ from canal. Join Fox News for access to this content You have reached your maximum number of articles. Log in or create an account FREE of charge to continue reading. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ …