Hegseth Takes Hardline Stance In Panama: ‘China Will Not Weaponize This Canal’

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took a hardline stance against China during his Tuesday visit to Panama, where he met with Minister of Public Security Frank Abrego and Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino before giving remarks at the Panama Canal.

Hegseth was greeted by Abrego upon his arrival at Palacio de Las Garzas, and proceeded inside for a meeting with Mulino that lasted more than an hour longer than what had been planned.

PANAMA CITY — Secretary Hegseth arrives at the Palacio de Las Garzas and is greeted by Minister of Public Security Frank Abrego pic.twitter.com/tPxQf01nA7

— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) April 8, 2025

PANAMÁ CITY — Bilateral meeting has concluded, Secretary Hegseth emerges, shakes hands with Frank Abrego. The meeting went 1.5 hours over.

We’re now heading in the motorcade to the Panama Canal! pic.twitter.com/ZwUxVvegwP

— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) April 8, 2025

Hegseth arrived in Panama following several exchanges between President Donald Trump and President Mulino over control of the canal amid concerns about Chinese influence over operations.

“It was an honor to speak with you today, President @JoseRaulMulino. You and your country’s hard work is making a difference. Increased security cooperation will make both our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” the Defense Secretary touted a successful meeting before his appearance at the canal.

It was an honor to speak with you today, President @JoseRaulMulino. You and your country’s hard work is making a difference. Increased security cooperation will make both our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous. pic.twitter.com/TLxbrMlFzW

— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) April 8, 2025

Hegseth followed that meeting with a ribbon cutting for a new United States-financed dock at the Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Naval Base, where he outlined the risks posed by China and promised the United States would work with Panama to mitigate those risks.

WATCH:

????NEW: @SecDef at the Panama Canal: “China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal. And China will not weaponize this canal….Together [ the U.S. and Panama] will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence.” pic.twitter.com/1SZBh6T4GU

— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) April 8, 2025

“China-based companies continue to control critical infrastructure in the canal area. That gives China the potential to conduct surveillance activities across Panama. This makes Panama and the United States less secure, less prosperous and less sovereign. And as President Donald Trump has pointed out, that situation is not acceptable,” Hegseth explained, saying that in order to counter the threat, “the United States and Panama have done more in recent weeks to strengthen our defense and security cooperation than we have in decades.”

“China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal. And China will not weaponize this canal. … Together with Panama in the lead, we will keep the canal secure and available for all nations through the deterrent power of the strongest, most effective, and most lethal fighting force in the world. We will do this in partnership with Panama — together we will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence,” Hegseth declared.