US Wants to Remove Chinese Influence from Panama Canal, Says Defense Chief
In very simple words, the United States wants to stop China from having any control or strong business ties with the Panama Canal. This is what U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a visit to Panama, according to Reuters.
The Panama Canal is a very important waterway for the U.S., with over 40% of its container trade—worth about $270 billion each year—passing through it. That’s why Hegseth said, “Together, we will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence.”
He added that China didn’t build the canal, doesn’t run it, and shouldn’t be allowed to use it for spying or military advantage.
As Reuters explains, the U.S. is worried that Chinese companies working near the canal might secretly gather information or gain control in a way that could be dangerous. But even though there’s concern, Hegseth admitted China isn’t operating the canal directly—despite former President Donald Trump saying so in the past.
This visit is a big deal because it’s the first time in many years that a U.S. defense secretary has gone to Panama. And with Trump possibly running the country again, people are watching closely. Trump has said before that the U.S. made a mistake giving Panama control over the canal back in 1999 and that he wants America to “take it back.”
According to Reuters, the U.S. military might get more involved if needed, especially since the canal would be very useful in any future war where Navy ships need to move quickly between oceans.
But the Panamanian president, Jose Raul Mulino, has pushed back. He says Panama is doing a good job running the canal and that it belongs to Panama—not the U.S. or China. He also recently pulled Panama out of China’s Belt and Road program, which some say shows he’s more willing to work with the U.S. now.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Panama, John Feeley, told Reuters that while China’s presence is a concern, the U.S. needs to be careful not to bully Panama or make false claims about treaty violations.
From a unique angle, this shows that global power isn’t just about armies—it’s also about who controls major trade routes. And as Reuters reports, it looks like the U.S. is trying to protect its influence not by starting wars, but by building stronger ties with countries like Panama to keep China in check.
This news could become very important if U.S.-China tensions keep growing. Keep visiting our site for updates from Reuters and easy-to-understand news that helps you make sense of the world.
Credit: Reuters