Hegseth Vows US–Panama Cooperation to Curb Chinese Influence Over Canal

The defense secretary also praises Panama’s president for cutting ties with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (C) poses for a picture next to Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez (L) during a visit to the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal in Panama City on April 8, 2025. Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images

Standing alongside the Panama Canal on April 8, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the partnership between the United States and Panama and vowed to diminish China’s influence over the strategic waterway.

“China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal, and China will not weaponize this canal,” Hegseth said on Tuesday at the newly refurbished Pier 3 at the Port of Rodman terminal.