Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reveals strategic measures to counter Chinese influence in one of the world's most vital waterways.
According to Breitbart, President Donald Trump's administration has secured historic agreements with Panama to strengthen U.S. military presence and control over the Panama Canal, directly challenging China's growing influence in the region.
The strategic initiative includes two significant agreements that grant priority passage to U.S. military vessels and establish an expanded American military presence at Fort Sherman. These developments come as part of Trump's broader strategy to counter Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in critical infrastructure and transportation routes.
Defense Secretary Hegseth shared details about the first agreement with the Panama Canal Authority, which ensures U.S. military and auxiliary vessels receive priority passage through the canal without fees. The second agreement, a memorandum of understanding with Panama's defense ministry, facilitates the reopening of Fort Sherman as a joint military installation.
President Trump's administration identified Chinese influence over the Panama Canal as a significant national security concern during a State of the Union address. The Defense Department has since documented numerous Chinese infrastructure projects and surveillance activities in the region.
Panama's President Molina, described by Hegseth as pro-Trump and pro-America, has demonstrated strong support for the U.S. initiative despite potential political risks. The cooperation reflects growing concerns about Chinese Communist Party influence in Latin America.
Hegseth elaborated on the critical nature of securing the canal:
Well, President Trump said at a State of the Union address, China has too much influence over the Panama Canal, and America is gonna take it back, and that's exactly what I was charged to do, what we're continuing to do. Chinese influence cannot control our own backyard, especially a critical waterway key terrain like the Panama Canal.
The Defense Secretary emphasized that approximately 75% of ships passing through the canal are involved in port-related activities. This statistic underscores the waterway's crucial role in global maritime commerce and military logistics.
Recent intelligence reports suggest Chinese companies have been actively pursuing infrastructure contracts and political influence in Panama. These efforts have raised concerns about potential threats to U.S. military mobility and commercial interests in the region.
Defense Secretary Hegseth praised Panama's commitment to the strengthened partnership:
I want to thank President Molina, a pro-Trump, pro-America president of Panama who's sticking his neck out against communists, whose influence was real there. Maria, we could see it; you could feel it. The communist Chinese want to control politicians. They're building infrastructure projects. They want to surveil. They want to take that canal. President Trump says not on our watch and we are fighting back.
The revival of Fort Sherman represents a significant milestone in U.S.-Panama military cooperation. The base will serve as a hub for joint operations and training exercises between the two nations' armed forces.
Military analysts suggest this enhanced presence will provide better monitoring of Chinese activities and strengthen regional security partnerships. The move also demonstrates America's commitment to maintaining its influence in Latin America.
The Trump administration's initiative to secure the Panama Canal reflects growing concerns about Chinese influence in Latin America's critical infrastructure. Through two landmark agreements with Panama, the U.S. has established priority passage for military vessels and expanded its military presence at Fort Sherman. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that these measures directly counter Chinese attempts to gain control over the strategic waterway, with strong support from Panama's President Molina despite communist pressure in the region.
