Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth embarks on a diplomatic journey to strengthen U.S.-Panama relations through military cooperation and regional security discussions.
According to Breitbart, Hegseth's two-day visit to Panama City starting Monday will focus on the 2025 Central American Security Conference and meetings with American troops stationed in the region.
The conference, co-hosted by the United States and Panama, aims to enhance regional defense capabilities through joint operations and cybersecurity initiatives.
U.S. Southern Command has organized extensive military training exercises involving 50 U.S. Marines, along with sailors and soldiers who will work alongside Panamanian service members from the National Aeronaval Service.
President Donald Trump has recently intensified efforts to secure better terms for U.S. access to the Panama Canal. The strategic waterway, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has become a focal point of American foreign policy. Trump's administration has expressed concerns about potential Chinese influence over the canal's operations.
A significant development occurred on March 4 when Hong Kong-based CK Hutchinson Holding agreed to sell its controlling stake in canal port operations. The sale transferred control to a consortium including BlackRock, Inc., effectively placing the ports under American management. This transaction impacts 43 ports across 23 countries, including crucial facilities at both ends of the Panama Canal.
During his Joint Address to Congress in March, Trump outlined his vision for the canal's future. He emphasized the historical American investment in the waterway's construction and criticized the previous transfer agreement.
The ongoing military exercises showcase a comprehensive approach to regional cooperation. American forces will conduct specialized training in naval infantry skills, including marksmanship, land navigation, and jungle warfare tactics. The deployment includes four F-18 Hornets, a C-130 Hercules, a P-8 Poseidon, two Navy vessels, and a Coast Guard cutter.
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell highlighted the significance of these bilateral meetings. The discussions aim to reinforce partnerships with Panama and other Central American nations. The ultimate goal remains achieving a secure Western Hemisphere through collaborative efforts.
The U.S. military presence in Panama has maintained continuity through various training exercises and exchanges. Special operations forces from both nations have recently participated in joint training programs, strengthening their operational capabilities.
Trump stated during his congressional address:
To further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we've already started doing it. Just today, a large American company announced they are buying both ports around the Panama Canal and lots of other things having to do with the Panama Canal and a couple of other canals. The Panama Canal was built by Americans for Americans, not for others, but others could use it. But it was built at tremendous cost of American blood and treasure.
The strategic importance of the Panama Canal extends beyond military considerations. Trump has criticized the current transit fee structure, describing it as "exorbitant." The administration's focus on securing better terms reflects broader efforts to protect American interests in the region.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to Panama marks a crucial step in strengthening U.S.-Central American security cooperation. The two-day diplomatic mission centers on the 2025 Central American Security Conference and military training exercises involving U.S. and Panamanian forces. These activities align with President Trump's broader strategy of asserting American influence over the Panama Canal, particularly following the recent acquisition of port operations by a U.S.-led consortium.
