Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the Panama Canal Tuesday and had some tough talk for China, which the Trump administration has repeatedly argued has way too much influence over the crucial U.S.-built waterway.
The U.S. will not allow any country to threaten the canal, Hegseth vowed:
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.
Together with Panama in the lead, we will keep the canal secure and available for all nations through the deterrent power of the strongest, most effective, and most lethal fighting force in the world.
We will do this in partnership with Panama. Together we will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence, and we will do this along with other capable, like-minded allies and partners.
This is what peace through strength looks like.
Watch:
