In a significant development, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the United States and Panama have reached a framework agreement allowing U.S. warships to transit the Panama Canal with priority and without toll fees. This agreement aims to counteract China’s growing influence in the region and strengthen U.S.-Panama relations.
During his visit to Panama, Secretary Hegseth emphasized the strategic importance of the canal and expressed concerns over Chinese investments in critical infrastructure near the waterway. He stated, “Together, we will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence.” This sentiment reflects ongoing apprehensions about Beijing’s expanding presence in the Western Hemisphere.
In addition to the canal agreement, the U.S. and Panama have committed to enhancing security cooperation. This includes joint training exercises and the deployment of the U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort to the region, aiming to bolster defense ties and regional stability.
The Panamanian government has welcomed these initiatives, highlighting the mutual benefits of strengthened bilateral relations. President José Raúl Mulino expressed optimism that these agreements would alleviate recent tensions and reaffirm Panama’s sovereignty over the canal.
This development underscores the strategic significance of the Panama Canal in global trade and geopolitics, as well as the ongoing efforts by the U.S. to maintain influence in the region amidst rising competition from China.
