US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed concerns over China’s growing influence in the region, stating that the Panama Canal cannot fall under China’s control due to the country’s military and economic strategies. His remarks came during the Central American Security Conference held in Panama City on April 8, 2025.
Hegseth emphasized that the US does not seek conflict with China, but firmly opposes Chinese control over key strategic assets in the hemisphere. “We must prevent war by actively deterring China’s actions in this region,” he said, highlighting the importance of diplomatic and strategic efforts in maintaining control over such crucial infrastructure.
He noted that President Donald Trump had previously expressed strong opposition to China’s influence over the canal, affirming that the US would not allow China to gain a foothold in this vital waterway. “China did not build or operate this canal, and it will not be weaponized,” Hegseth stressed.
The US government is working closely with Panama to ensure the security of the canal, a vital global shipping route. Hegseth also criticized China’s broader strategy of securing control over critical infrastructure in the region, stating that the era of yielding to Chinese coercion has ended.
In the wake of these comments, Trump reiterated that Panama had violated its agreement with the US regarding the canal, calling for its return to US control. This was followed by a visit from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Panama and the country’s decision to exit China’s Belt and Road initiative, a move that drew sharp criticism from Beijing.