U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has accused China of seeking influence over the Panama Canal, highlighting renewed U.S. efforts to assert its presence in the region. His remarks come amid growing tension over U.S.-China competition and ongoing diplomacy with Iran.
U.S. Concern Over Panama Canal Control
Following a recent visit to Panama, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth raised alarms over China’s ambitions in the region. During an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Hegseth accused the Chinese government of seeking control over the Panama Canal through political influence and infrastructure investment.
“They want to take that canal,” Hegseth said. “President Trump says, not on our watch, and we’re fighting back.”
Strategic Shift and U.S. Response
Hegseth described the previous U.S. approach to Panama as having been “asleep at the wheel.” However, the Defense Department now claims to be reversing course by reasserting American leadership in the region. Key agreements reached with Panama include a joint declaration allowing U.S. naval vessels priority access to the canal and a pact on cooperative security.
Trump Administration’s Renewed Focus
This development marks a notable shift from earlier rhetoric. Former President Donald Trump, now in his second term, had previously made ambiguous remarks about possibly retaking control of the canal by force. The canal, originally constructed by the U.S., was transferred to Panamanian control in 1999 following agreements signed during President Jimmy Carter’s administration in 1977.
Hegseth framed the new agreements as part of a broader effort to reestablish U.S. strength globally, calling it a “return of U.S. leadership, peace through strength.”
Panama Distancing Itself from China
Further evidence of Panama’s pivot toward the U.S. includes its February 2025 decision to exit China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Hegseth pointed to this as a sign of growing alignment between Panama and the United States.
“We’re getting to the point where Panama and the U.S. are shoulder to shoulder saying, ‘Get out China,’” he emphasized.
Diplomatic Tensions with Iran
The interview also touched on U.S.-Iran relations. Hegseth reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons but stressed a desire for a peaceful resolution. Notably, special envoy Steve Witkoff recently held direct talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi—the first such engagement since Trump returned to office.
“He’s dead serious that he wants it done at the negotiating table,” Hegseth said. “He’s said that for 20 years.”
Trump warned, however, that failure to reach a deal could result in serious consequences for Iran.
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