Hegseth: China's Canal Influence a Threat
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U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth voiced concerns about China's growing influence in the Western Hemisphere, particularly regarding its presence near the Panama Canal. He cited Chinese companies controlling land and infrastructure in strategic sectors, urging regional cooperation to counter China's actions. His comments follow a meeting with Panama's president, where they agreed to enhance security coordination and address fees for U.S. warships using the canal. China's embassy criticized the U.S.'s stance, calling it blackmail, while a recent audit of a Chinese company's port lease revealed irregularities, leading to its sale to an American consortium.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth voiced concerns about China's growing influence in the Western Hemisphere, particularly regarding its presence near the Panama Canal. He cited Chinese companies controlling land and infrastructure in strategic sectors, urging regional cooperation to counter China's actions. His comments follow a meeting with Panama's president, where they agreed to enhance security coordination and address fees for U.S. warships using the canal. China's embassy criticized the U.S.'s stance, calling it blackmail, while a recent audit of a Chinese company's port lease revealed irregularities, leading to its sale to an American consortium.
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