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.
“Together, with Panama in the lead, we will keep the canal secure and available for all nations through the deterrent power of the strongest, most effective, and most lethal fighting force in the world.”
The Trump administration has emphasized the need for a Panama Canal that’s free from the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. President Donald Trump has suggested at times that the United States might reassert control over the canal.
The defense secretary thanked Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino for his decision in February not to renew an agreement to participate in China’s infrastructure development program.
“President Mulino’s decision to withdraw from the Belt and Road Initiative reflects his government’s clear understanding of China and the threat it poses,” Hegseth said.
China is fighting to maintain some level of influence in the Central American country.
CK Hutchison Holdings, owned by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, recently announced plans to sell its interests in numerous international port facilities, including the two ports at the ends of the Panama Canal, to a consortium led by the U.S.-based investment company BlackRock.
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation announced it would review the port sale deal for potential violations of Chinese anti-trust laws. This puts the final timeline for the port sale into question.
As he stood alongside the waterway on Tuesday, Hegseth vowed, “We will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence.”
Along with urging Panama to wind down its ties with China, the Trump administration has worked to expand U.S.–Panama relations.
Hegseth noted that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided more than $5 million in support to refurbish Pier 3. The facility is at the Pacific end of the Panama Canal on what was once a U.S. naval station that was conveyed to Panama in 1999.
“Pier 3 tangibly represents America and Panama’s shared commitment to the canal’s security,” Hegseth said.
The defense secretary noted that a U.S. Coast Guard cutter will transit the Panama Canal this week to conduct counter-narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific. He said another U.S. cutter is moored in Panama City to facilitate a joint training exchange with members of Panama’s National Aeronaval Service.
Hegseth mentioned other upcoming U.S.–Panamanian military exchanges, including the 2026 PANAMAX, a biennial military exercise involving Panama, the United States, and other regional partners.
