Panama, US lock in new security pact for Canal as China tensions simmer

The United States and Panama officially signed a new pact on defense and security aimed at strengthening control over the Panaman channel, which is a move that Defense Minister Pete Hegsetth Hard It is crucial to encourage the growing adhesion of China in the region.

In a press release published on Wednesday night on X, the Panaman Channel Administration confirmed that the Panaman Minister for Canal and Hegsets signed a joint declaration that confirms the Panama sovereignty and describes a new military cooperation.

The agreement “confirms the respect and recognition of the Panaman sovereignty over the intercean waterways,” the canal management said.

It also supports the dedication to the Neutrality Agreement and the legal framework that manages the canal operations, including the Panama Constitution, the contract itself and the organic law of the channel.

Hegsetth says that Panama agreed to allow us the warships to travel ‘first and free’ via the channel

But the declaration goes beyond the words. It stands out for the model division of costs that cover services provided by US warships and auxiliary vessels, with the aim of holding it “neutral”.

“The efforts will be invested [to] Develop a mechanism that will allow fees for services provided by warships and auxiliary vessels, seeking a cost -based neutral basis, “states in a statement.” This mechanism will be jointly evaluated with the Panama Ministry of Security. “

Hegsetth Defense Secretary speaks in the city of Panama on April 9, 2025. (Franco Brana/AFP via Getty Images)

According to Hegseth, there is also a wider frame, one that would guarantee US warship “first and free” passage through the Panaman Channel.

Hegsetth announced on Wednesday that Panaman officials had already signed a memorandum of understanding and that on the path of the final document on the way to formally secures a priority without a toll on the US naval vessel.

In the meantime, the authority of the channel emphasized that this agreement is only the beginning. “The statement represents the first step in establishing this model, which will develop in later stages.”

Us, Panama ‘download’ channels from ‘Chinese influence’, says Hegsetth

While now building their military coordination, the Panaman Channel Administration has confirmed that cooperation has already included “engineering, security and cyber security”, key focus areas for both governments while returning against foreign interferences.

This move comes just when it is now preparing to schedule a USNS Comfort, a naval hospital ship, in the region In showing presence and partnership.

Earlier this week, Hegsetth visited American troops, met with Panaman officials and visited the channel. That was a sharp warning Chinese reach It is already too big in the Western hemisphere and is still growing.

Panama President Jose Raul Mulino handled with the Secretary of the Defense of Pete Hegsetha during the signing of a bilateral agreement in the City of Panama, April 9, 2025. (Franco Brana/AFP via Getty Images)

“Don’t go wrong, Beijing invests and acts in this region for military advantages and unfair economic gain,” Hegsetth said. “They manage military facilities and ground cells that extend their reach into space. They exploit natural resources and landings to encourage Chinese global military ambitions. The Chinese factory fishing fleet steals food from our peoples and from our people.”

Hegsetth emphasized that war is not a goal. “Together we have to prevent the war with strong and strongly distracting Chinese threats in this hemisphere,” he said.

He also clearly said that they are now taking steps to counteract the Chinese infrastructure in Panama.

“Chinese companies continue to control critical infrastructure in the canal area,” Hegsetth said. “This gives China the potential for conducting surveillance activities throughout the panama. Therefore, Panama and the United States are less safe, less prosperous and less sovereign. And as AS President Donald Trump He pointed out, that situation is not acceptable. “

Panama President Jose Raul Mulino (c) views Panama Frank Abrego Security Minister (L) and the Secretary of Defense of Peta Hegsetth are ready to sign a bilateral agreement in the City of Panama, April 9, 2025. (Franco Brana/AFP via Getty Images)

Hegsetth was a blunt: “The United States will not allow China to threaten the canal surgery.” He added: “For this purpose, the United States and Panama have done more in recent weeks to strengthen our defense and security cooperation than we have had for decades.”

Despite the growing military and political coordination, Panama President José Raúl Mulino publicly denied that China controlled the canal.

“I completely reject that statement,” Mulino said, pushing himself to earlier requests American State Department That the agreement has already been reached by guaranteeing a free passage for US warships. The Canal Administration added that “did not adjust” the structure of the fee.

Click here to get the Fox News app

Hegsetth did not immediately respond to the Fox News Digital request for comment.

Fox News’ Morgan Philips contributed to this report.