U.S. and Panama Strengthen Ties with New Defense Pact Amid Rising Chinese Influence
The U.S. and Panama sign a defense pact to safeguard the Panama Canal as Defense Secretary Hegseth warns of China’s expanding influence in the region.
The move comes just as the U.S. prepares to deploy the USNS Comfort, a Navy hospital ship, to the region in a show of presence and partnership.
Panama and US lock in new security pact for Canal as China tensions simmer
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The concern about China's influence over the waterway was provoked by Hong Kong-based consortium CK Hutchison holding a 25-year lease on ports at either end of the canal.
Hegseth Says China's Military Presence in Western Hemisphere Is 'too Large'
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The focus: helping Panama “deter and counter malign activity in the areas surrounding the canal.”
FIRST AND FREE: Defense Secretary Hegseth Secures ‘Historic’ Partnership With Panama Against China
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The company's response reflects the complexities of international business operations amid geopolitical tensions.
Hong Kong company denies that it failed to pay Panama under a contract to operate its canal ports
ABC News·20d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The concern about China’s influence over the waterway was provoked by Hong Kong-based consortium CK Hutchison holding a 25-year lease on ports at either end of the canal.
Hegseth says China's military presence in Western Hemisphere is 'too large'
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The Panama Canal — which the U.S. built in 1914 but President Jimmy Carter agreed to give to Panama in 1979 — has become a major focus early on in the Trump administration’s foreign policy.
SecDef Hegseth: 'We Will Take Back the Panama Canal from China's Influence'
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Summary
A new defense agreement has been signed between the U.S. and Panama, aiming to bolster security over the Panama Canal amidst concerns regarding China's military presence. The deal reaffirms Panama's sovereignty, outlines military cooperation, and allows for U.S. warships to travel through the canal toll-free. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated this partnership is critical in countering China's growing power and influence in the Western Hemisphere. Concurrently, Panama Ports Company denies failing to pay $1.2 billion to Panama, asserting it has met investment obligations, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions involving local infrastructure under Chinese control.
Perspectives
The U.S. Defense Secretary criticized China's military presence and influence over the Panama Canal, asserting it poses security risks and must be addressed collaboratively with regional allies.
The Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison denied allegations from Panama regarding unpaid fees, emphasizing its significant investments in canal infrastructure and calling the accusations misleading.
Tensions between the U.S. and China are heightened over control of the Panama Canal, with the U.S. looking to reassert its influence and secure the canal against perceived threats.
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