In a surprising turn of events during a televised White House Cabinet meeting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed details about U.S. military movements in Central America.
According to The Express, President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that significant numbers of U.S. troops have been deployed to Panama with the stated purpose of "taking back the canal" from Chinese influence.
The announcement came during Hegseth's report on his recent diplomatic visit to Panama, where he met with President Mulino. During the meeting, both officials discussed strengthening military cooperation between the two nations and addressing concerns about China's growing presence in the region.
Hegseth emphasized Panama's desire to reduce Chinese influence in the region. He highlighted the successful partnership between U.S. troops and Panamanian forces, suggesting a united front against what he termed "communist Chinese influence."
Trump confirmed the military deployment, stating that U.S. forces now occupy previously abandoned positions. The president expressed confidence in the current level of control over the situation.
Panama's government, while welcoming joint military exercises, has firmly rejected claims about Chinese control over the waterway. Frank Abrego, Panama's minister for public security, specifically ruled out the establishment of permanent U.S. military bases in the country.
Defense Secretary Hegseth delivered these remarks to Trump during the Cabinet meeting:
So, that's something you said — we're taking back the canal. China's had too much influence. Obama and others let them creep in. We, along with Panama, are pushing them out, sir. They want the communist Chinese out, and our troops are partnering with their forces. We've got a chance to push them all the way out, sir.
Current and former U.S. officials have expressed legitimate security concerns about China's presence in Panama. They warn that Chinese-controlled ports and infrastructure could potentially be used for military espionage activities.
The Pentagon's official statements have carefully navigated diplomatic sensitivities. While the English version of their statement omitted references to Panama's sovereignty, the Spanish version explicitly acknowledged Panama's "inalienable sovereignty" over the canal and adjacent areas.
The situation has created a delicate balance between U.S. strategic interests and Panamanian sovereignty. Joint statements from both countries emphasize deepening security cooperation while respecting existing agreements.
Hegseth publicly acknowledged Panama's sovereignty over the canal during his visit, which marked the first trip by a Pentagon chief to the country in decades. He expressed gratitude for Panama's willingness to host American troops for rotational joint exercises.
The developments reflect growing tensions between the United States and China over influence in strategic locations throughout the Western Hemisphere. The Panama Canal, a crucial maritime trade route, has become a focal point of this competition.
The U.S. deployment of troops to Panama represents a significant shift in regional military dynamics under the Trump administration. The move aims to counter perceived Chinese influence over the Panama Canal, a strategic waterway vital for global maritime commerce. The complex situation involves careful diplomatic maneuvering between the United States and Panama, with China's role serving as a point of contention. While Panama welcomes increased military cooperation with the U.S., it maintains firm control over its sovereignty and has set clear boundaries regarding permanent foreign military presence in its territory.
