Overview

• U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during an April 8 visit to Panama, declared that the U.S. would not allow China or any other nation to compromise the Panama Canal's operation or security.
• Hegseth emphasized concerns over Chinese companies controlling key infrastructure in the canal zone, alleging potential surveillance and security risks.
• Panama maintains its sovereignty over the canal, with President José Raúl Mulino affirming the nation's uncontested leadership, though discrepancies in official statements have raised questions.
• China has denied involvement in the canal's management, accusing the U.S. of spreading 'malicious attacks' and undermining China-Panama cooperation.
• Local protests erupted during Hegseth's visit, with demonstrators opposing U.S. intervention and heightened geopolitical tensions.