Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth says the US and Panama have made moves to strengthen ties and remove ‘China's influence’ from canal.

In a significant geopolitical move, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced an expanded partnership between the United States and Panama aimed at securing the Panama Canal and countering China's growing influence in the region. Addressing concerns about China's control over strategic infrastructure, Hegseth emphasized that U.S. warships would be granted 'first and free' passage through the canal, reaffirming the commitment to Panamanian sovereignty while asserting U.S. interests in the area. This declaration is part of a broader framework that aims to solidify military coordination and cooperation between the two nations, encompassing efforts in engineering, cybersecurity, and combating foreign interference. Hegseth's statements came in the context of a bilateral agreement that seeks to enhance joint military training and establish a cost-sharing model for services provided to U.S. vessels. Interestingly, while the U.S. portrays this collaboration as a necessary check against Chinese ambitions, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino publicly rejected the notion that China controls the canal, suggesting a disconnect between U.S. narratives and local sentiments. Hegseth's aggressive rhetoric against China underscores the Trump administration's long-standing commitment to diminish China's influence in Latin America, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions. The article also highlights ongoing operations of the U.S. military in the region and raises questions about the future dynamics of U.S.-Panama relations in light of external pressures. It is evident that both nations are looking to strengthen their alliance in the face of perceived threats, even as they navigate the complexities of public perception and regional politics. The analysis and review of this article have been conducted by artificial intelligence to ensure an objective perspective on the information presented.