• World News
  • Politics
  • Stock
  • Investing
  • Editor’s Pick
Time And Sales Reporter
Politics

US, Panama ‘taking back’ canal from ‘China’s influence,’ says Hegseth

by April 8, 2025
April 8, 2025

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Tuesday said the U.S. will take back the Panama Canal from ‘China’s influence’ as Washington tries to reassert control over the major trade route. 

‘The United States of America will not allow communist China or any other country to threaten the canal’s operation or integrity,’ he said during a press event from the Central American nation. ‘To this end, the United States and Panama have done more in recent weeks to strengthen our defense and security cooperation than we have in decades.

‘Together we will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence,’ he added.

Panama has repeatedly rejected the Trump administration’s claims that China effectively controls the canal as it operates two major ports on either end of the waterway. 

However, the Central American nation withdrew from its 2017 Belt and Road Initiative agreements with Beijing earlier this year in a signal that Panama has chosen to side with the Trump administration in this geopolitical spat.

Hegseth laid out a litany of joint exercises, operations and the general presence of the U.S. military in and around the canal in a move to counter China, though Fox News Digital could not immediately reach the Pentagon to confirm whether this signified an increase in U.S. presence in the region.

‘Our relationship with Panama, especially our security relationship, will continue to grow in the months and years ahead,’ Hegseth said. ‘Our relationship is growing in part to meet communist China’s rising challenges.’

The defense secretary said China-based companies continue to install ‘critical infrastructure’ in the canal, which gives China the ‘potential’ ability to ‘conduct surveillance.’

‘This makes Panama and the United States less secure, less prosperous, less sovereign,’ he added.  

‘I want to be very clear. China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal, and China will not weaponize this canal,’ Hegseth said.

The Chinese embassy in D.C. did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
previous post
White House: US will lead in AI, but China is catching up
next post
Mike Huckabee nomination advances in Senate, one step closer to becoming ambassador to Israel

Related Posts

Rand Paul says he would support ‘big, beautiful...

June 2, 2025

Kevin Hassett ‘very, very confident’ courts will back...

June 2, 2025

House Dems’ campaign chair says her party’s ‘on...

June 2, 2025

Trump shares post saying Biden was executed, replaced...

June 2, 2025

Senate Republicans eye changes to Trump’s megabill after...

June 2, 2025

Iran condemns Austria over report on advanced nuclear...

June 1, 2025







    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.




    Recent Posts

    • Senate Republicans eye changes to Trump’s megabill after House win

      June 2, 2025
    • Trump shares post saying Biden was executed, replaced with clones

      June 2, 2025
    • House Dems’ campaign chair says her party’s ‘on offense’ in 2026 battle to win back majority from GOP

      June 2, 2025
    • Kevin Hassett ‘very, very confident’ courts will back Trump’s tariffs amid legal setback

      June 2, 2025
    • Rand Paul says he would support ‘big, beautiful bill’ if debt ceiling hike removed

      June 2, 2025
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Copyright © 2025 timeandsalesreporter.com | All Rights Reserved

    Time And Sales Reporter
    • World News
    • Politics
    • Stock
    • Investing
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    Americans want smaller government but new polls shows...

    March 17, 2025

    USAID’s green energy programs have maximized harm to...

    February 13, 2025

    Musk says DOGE set to top $150B in...

    April 10, 2025