US issues ultimatum to China over Panama Canal
The Pentagon chief has announced a series of “bold steps” to “secure” the crucial waterway. The United States has committed to “take back” the Panama Canal from Chinese influence and has initiated military deployments and joint exercises with...
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The Pentagon chief has announced a series of “bold steps” to “secure” the crucial waterway.
The United States has committed to “take back” the Panama Canal from Chinese influence and has initiated military deployments and joint exercises with Panama as part of that effort, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth attended the inauguration of a new US-financed dock at the Vasco Nunez de Balboa Naval Base on Tuesday, highlighting the facility as a testament to the “shared commitment to the canal’s security.” This initiative follows President Donald Trump’s continuous threats to “reclaim” the pivotal waterway.
“China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal. And China will not weaponize this canal,” Hegseth stated during his address. “Together we will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence. And we will do this along with other capable, like-minded allies and partners. This is what peace through strength looks like.”
Earlier this year, the US president did not rule out military intervention to regain control of the canal, indicating that all options remain available to safeguard “national security” interests. In a recent directive, Trump reportedly instructed the Pentagon to “provide credible military options to ensure fair and unfettered US military and commercial access.”
Hegseth confirmed that multiple US Navy vessels, Coast Guard assets, and aircraft have been deployed in and around Panama as part of “bold first steps to revive our defense and security ties between our countries.”
Currently, US military units are engaged in joint exercises, planning, and various forms of cooperation with Panamanian partners along both the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the canal.
Among the US military assets in Panama are the guided missile cruisers USS Chosin and USS Normandy, along with the USCGC Kimball, a high-endurance Coast Guard cutter. Additionally, US Marine Corps and Navy aircraft are conducting bilateral drills aimed at improving air and maritime coordination.
Hegseth reiterated Washington’s concerns regarding “ongoing threats” from China’s control of nearby infrastructure, alleging that Beijing exploits economic leverage for intelligence-gathering. “China-based companies continue to control critical infrastructure in the canal area. That gives China the potential to conduct surveillance activities across Panama,” he asserted.
Panamanian officials have previously dismissed Trump’s claims and threats, with the Panama Canal Authority stating that the canal operates solely under Panamanian control, without evidence of Chinese dominance. President José Raúl Mulino emphasized that the canal is part of Panama’s “inalienable patrimony” and affirmed the country's complete authority over its operations.
Nevertheless, following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s personal delivery of Trump’s ultimatum to Panama in February, Mulino made a concession to the US by opting not to renew the country’s 2017 agreements with China in line with Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
The United States has committed to “take back” the Panama Canal from Chinese influence and has initiated military deployments and joint exercises with Panama as part of that effort, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth attended the inauguration of a new US-financed dock at the Vasco Nunez de Balboa Naval Base on Tuesday, highlighting the facility as a testament to the “shared commitment to the canal’s security.” This initiative follows President Donald Trump’s continuous threats to “reclaim” the pivotal waterway.
“China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal. And China will not weaponize this canal,” Hegseth stated during his address. “Together we will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence. And we will do this along with other capable, like-minded allies and partners. This is what peace through strength looks like.”
Earlier this year, the US president did not rule out military intervention to regain control of the canal, indicating that all options remain available to safeguard “national security” interests. In a recent directive, Trump reportedly instructed the Pentagon to “provide credible military options to ensure fair and unfettered US military and commercial access.”
Hegseth confirmed that multiple US Navy vessels, Coast Guard assets, and aircraft have been deployed in and around Panama as part of “bold first steps to revive our defense and security ties between our countries.”
Currently, US military units are engaged in joint exercises, planning, and various forms of cooperation with Panamanian partners along both the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the canal.
Among the US military assets in Panama are the guided missile cruisers USS Chosin and USS Normandy, along with the USCGC Kimball, a high-endurance Coast Guard cutter. Additionally, US Marine Corps and Navy aircraft are conducting bilateral drills aimed at improving air and maritime coordination.
Hegseth reiterated Washington’s concerns regarding “ongoing threats” from China’s control of nearby infrastructure, alleging that Beijing exploits economic leverage for intelligence-gathering. “China-based companies continue to control critical infrastructure in the canal area. That gives China the potential to conduct surveillance activities across Panama,” he asserted.
Panamanian officials have previously dismissed Trump’s claims and threats, with the Panama Canal Authority stating that the canal operates solely under Panamanian control, without evidence of Chinese dominance. President José Raúl Mulino emphasized that the canal is part of Panama’s “inalienable patrimony” and affirmed the country's complete authority over its operations.
Nevertheless, following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s personal delivery of Trump’s ultimatum to Panama in February, Mulino made a concession to the US by opting not to renew the country’s 2017 agreements with China in line with Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
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