US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently expressed concerns about China’s influence over the Panama Canal, asserting that the United States and Panama are committed to its security. His comments were made during the inauguration of a new US-funded dock at the Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Naval Base, following a meeting with Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino.
Hegseth stated, “To this end, the United States and Panama have done more in recent weeks to strengthen our defense and security cooperation than we have in decades.” He pointed out that companies based in China control key infrastructure around the canal, increasing the risk of surveillance and undermining both nations’ security and prosperity.
The Chinese government responded sharply to Hegseth’s statements, claiming that the US is exaggerating the threat posed by China. They emphasized that Panama has the right to decide with whom to conduct business. This back-and-forth highlights a broader context of geopolitical rivalry, with China increasingly engaged in Latin America.
The relationship between the US and Panama regarding the canal has long been contentious. The US built the canal in the early 1900s to facilitate shipping and military movement. It officially handed control over to Panama in 1999 as part of a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter. Despite the change, fears about China’s growing presence have reignited debates on sovereignty and security in the region.
Interestingly, statistics show that in recent years, China has made substantial investments in Latin American infrastructure. According to a report from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, between 2005 and 2020, Chinese investments in Latin America reached over $140 billion. This growing influence raises valid questions about how countries like Panama balance their economic partnerships.
While Hegseth met with Mulino to reaffirm US support, the conversation is complicated by domestic pressures. President Donald Trump has previously questioned whether the US should have relinquished control of the canal, suggesting a potential re-evaluation of US foreign policy in the region. The implications of such tensions are significant, as they can affect everything from trade routes to national security for both the US and Panama.
Hegseth concluded his remarks by affirming that “China did not build this canal,” stressing that security along this vital waterway is a priority for both nations. However, as geopolitical dynamics shift, the future of the Panama Canal remains uncertain, particularly with ongoing scrutiny of foreign investments and interests.
For further insights, you can explore the geopolitical implications of foreign investment in Latin America here.
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