US Defense Secretary Warns China Against Threatening Panama Canal Operations
Hegseth reaffirmed, "I want to be very clear. China did not build this canal.
WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during his visit to Panama on Tuesday, issued a stern warning that the United States will not allow China or any other country to threaten the operation and integrity of the vital Panama Canal.
Speaking at a police station at the entry point to the waterway, Hegseth highlighted the ongoing threats to the canal. “The United States of America will not allow communist China or any other country to threaten the canal’s operation or integrity,” he said.
The Panama Canal, a crucial interoceanic shipping route, has been the subject of competition between Chinese and US firms. Hegseth’s comments come amid concerns over China’s growing influence in the canal’s operations, with President Donald Trump previously warning that the US might take action to address this.
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The canal, built by the US over a century ago and handed over to Panama in 1999, is operated by a Hong Kong-based company. The route connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, handling about five percent of global shipping.
Hegseth reaffirmed, “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.”
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