Additional Coverage:
- Hegseth says Panama agreed to allow US warships to travel ‘first and free’ through canal (foxnews.com)
US and Panama Strengthen Defense Cooperation Amidst Chinese Concerns
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Panama this week to address concerns about growing Chinese influence in the region, particularly regarding the Panama Canal. Hegseth met with Panamanian officials, visited US troops, and toured canal ports.
Hegseth announced that the US and Panama are finalizing an agreement to grant US warships priority, toll-free passage through the canal. This follows an earlier memorandum of understanding on security cooperation between the two nations. While the State Department previously claimed a similar deal had been reached during Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino denied it at the time.
Hegseth expressed concerns about China’s growing military and economic presence in the Western Hemisphere, stating that China operates military facilities and ground stations in the region, exploits natural resources, and engages in practices that harm local economies. He emphasized that the US does not seek war with China but aims to deter potential threats through strengthened partnerships.
As a demonstration of this commitment, the US will deploy the USNS Comfort, a Navy hospital ship, to the region. Hegseth also highlighted recent progress in US-Panama defense cooperation, citing efforts to address concerns about Chinese-owned port operations near the canal, specifically those controlled by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. While a deal was reached for CK Hutchison to sell these ports to US-based BlackRock, the agreement faces potential challenges due to Chinese antitrust probes and disputes over contract renewals.
Hegseth reiterated the US commitment to ensuring the canal’s secure operation and preventing Chinese surveillance activities in the area. The Chinese embassy in Panama responded by accusing the US of a “sensationalistic campaign” driven by geopolitical interests. These developments come amidst ongoing trade tensions between the US and China.