U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during a visit to Panama on April 8, 2025, stated that the U.S. will “take back” the Panama Canal from Chinese influence. He emphasized enhancing U.S.-Panama cooperation to ensure the canal’s security, following Panama’s recent shift away from China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Headline: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Vows to Counter Chinese Influence Over Panama Canal
