Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Reuters: The Rapid Support Forces announced that they have taken over the headquarters of the Sudanese Armed Forces in al-Fasher.
Al Mayadeen correspondent: An Israeli drone strike targeted the town of Al-Qlailah, Southern Lebanon.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli drone strikes town of Harouf, Nabatieh district.
Factions' statement: The attendees agreed to support and continue implementing the ceasefire agreement measures, including the withdrawal of the occupation and lifting the siege.
Factions' statement: Calling for an end to all forms of torture and violations against prisoners in occupation prisons and the necessity of obligating the occupation to do so.
Statement: The current moment is crucial, making the meeting a true turning point toward national unity in defense of our people and their right to life, dignity, and freedom.
Factions' statement: Call for an urgent meeting of all Palestinian forces and factions to agree on a national strategy.
Factions' statement: Continuing joint work to unify visions and positions to confront the challenges facing the Palestinian cause.
Statement of the factions: Emphasis on the unity of the Palestinian political system and the independent national decision.
Statement: Approval to establish an international committee to oversee the financing and implementation of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

US will not allow China to jeopardize Panama Canal operations: Hegseth

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites
  • 8 Apr 2025 22:59
  • 1 Shares
4 Min Read

The US Secretary of Defense warns that China's influence in the Panama Canal will be removed, claiming that the Asan giant poses a threat to Panama, the US, and the world.

Listen
  • x
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks at Port of Rodman in West Panama, Tuesday, April 8, 2025 (AP)
    US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks at Port of Rodman in West Panama, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 (AP)

The US will prevent China from disrupting Panama Canal operations, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated during his trip to the Central American country on Tuesday.

"Today, the Panama Canal faces ongoing threats," Hegseth said in a speech at a police station at the entrance of the shipping route. "The United States of America will not allow communist China or any other country to threaten the canal's operation or integrity," he added.

"I want to be very clear. China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal. And China will not weaponize this canal," Hegseth stated, describing the maritime waterway as a "wonder of the world."

Standing next to Panamanian President Jose Raul Molino, Hegseth stated that the United States and Panama would collaborate to remove what he called "Chinese influence" from the Panama Canal, ensuring it remains accessible to every country by leveraging the unmatched deterrent capability of the world's most powerful, efficient, and deadly military force.

Hegseth claimed that China's control over critical infrastructure in the maritime route gives Beijing the ability to conduct spying operations across Panama, making both Panama and the United States "less secure, less prosperous and less sovereign."

The Secretary of Defense's visit to Panama is the second visit by a US official since Donald Trump took office in January, when he vowed that the United States would take back the Panama Canal in a bid to counter China's alleged dominant sway over the water passage.

Related News

DPRK’s Chief Diplomat to visit Russia, Belarus before APEC

Venezuela launches coastal defense drills amid US military build-up

The United States constructed the canal over a century ago before transferring control to Panama in 1999, and today, the Hong Kong-based company, Panama Ports, manages two key ports at both the Atlantic and Pacific entrances of this vital waterway, which facilitates the passage of approximately five percent of the world's total maritime trade.

The concession for Panama Ports to operate Balboa port on the Pacific side and Cristobal port on the Atlantic side of the canal was initially awarded in 1997 and later extended for an additional 25 years in 2021, but after facing repeated threats from former US President Donald Trump about a potential seizure of the canal, the Panamanian government has increased pressure on CK Hutchison, the parent company of Panama Ports, to exit the country.

In March, CK Hutchison reached a $19 billion cash deal to sell its portfolio of 43 ports across 23 countries—including its two strategic canal terminals—to a consortium led by US investment giant BlackRock.

Just before Hegseth's visit, Panama's comptroller disclosed that the audit had uncovered numerous contract violations and claimed that the country was owed $1.2 billion by the operator, though the statement did not provide further details on the alleged breaches or the unpaid sum.

China slams US attempts to undermine Panama ties as latter yields to pressure

In early February, China strongly condemned US attempts to disrupt its relations with Panama through pressure and threats, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Zhao Zhiyuan stated during a meeting with Panamanian Ambassador to China Miguel Lecaro.

"China-Panama relations never target any third party and should not be disrupted by any third party," Zhao said, urging Panama to resist external interference and consider the long-term interests of both nations.

The statement followed Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino’s announcement that Panama had formally withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Mulino denied any link between the decision and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit to the country.

In response, China lodged a formal protest with Panama, with Zhao condemning what he described as US efforts to "sabotage Belt and Road cooperation through pressure and threats."

  • United States
  • Panama
  • Panama canal
  • China
  • Pete Hegseth

Most Read

From previous scenes of the Qassam Brigades targeting an Israeli D9 bulldozer with a Yassin 105 shell, east of Deir al-Balah. (Military Media of the Qassam Brigades)

US knew fatal Rafah blast cause was not Hamas op., says journalist

  • Politics
  • 20 Oct 2025
'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

  • Technology
  • 24 Oct 2025
Abu Hamza, the spokesperson for the Al-Quds Brigades, during a speech televised on October 22, 2025 (Al-Quds Brigades Military Media)

Al-Quds Brigades' Abu Hamza mourns leaders, vows continued resistance

  • Politics
  • 22 Oct 2025
US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

  • Africa
  • 23 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Undated photo of Hanwha Ocean’s Goeje Shipyard in South Korea (Hanwha Ocean)
Politics

China counters US maritime bloc with sanctions on Hanwha Ocean

Catherine Connolly speaks after being after being elected as the new President of Ireland at Dublin Castle, Ireland, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. (AP)
Politics

Connolly wins Irish presidency in blow to political establishment

Buildings destroyed during the Israeli air and ground offensive are seen in the Al-Shati camp, in Gaza City, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (AP)
Politics

'Israel's' post-ceasefire demolitions in Gaza violate agreement: Hamas

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends the 17th annual BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran’s Araghchi: Our nuclear bomb is resilience, not weapons

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS