The United States and Panama have signed a new defense and security agreement aimed at enhancing control over the Panama Canal in response to China’s increasing influence in the region. The agreement reaffirms Panamanian sovereignty over the waterway and outlines plans for military cooperation. Additionally, a cost-sharing model is being implemented to cover services provided to U.S. warships and auxiliary vessels, with the goal of maintaining cost neutrality. The agreement also includes provisions for U.S. warships to have priority passage through the canal, further solidifying the strategic relationship between the two countries.
While the partnership between the United States and Panama focuses on defense and security measures, collaboration in engineering, security, and cybersecurity is also emphasized. The U.S. plans to deploy the Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort to the region as a demonstration of presence and partnership. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted the threat posed by China’s growing influence in the Western Hemisphere, pointing out the country’s military operations, economic practices, and control over infrastructure in the region. Hegseth stressed the importance of deterring China’s threats while promoting stability and security in the hemisphere.
Hegseth emphasized that war is not the goal of the U.S.-Panama partnership; rather, the focus is on preventing conflict by countering Chinese threats effectively. He highlighted the need to address China’s control over critical infrastructure in the canal area, which poses security risks for both Panama and the United States. The agreement between the two countries aims to strengthen defense and security cooperation to ensure the continued operation of the canal without interference from external forces.
Despite the efforts to bolster coordination between the U.S. and Panama, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has denied claims that China controls the canal. Mulino rejected earlier statements from the U.S. State Department regarding a deal guaranteeing toll-free passage for U.S. warships and stated that no adjustments have been made to the fee structure for passage through the canal. The agreement between the U.S. and Panama represents a significant step in solidifying their strategic partnership and safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Panama Canal.
In his discussions with Panamanian officials, Hegseth highlighted the importance of countering China’s military and economic influence in the region to protect the security and prosperity of both countries. The partnership between the U.S. and Panama includes plans for joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and cooperation in cybersecurity to address common threats effectively. By strengthening military and security cooperation, the two countries aim to push back against foreign interference and safeguard the vital waterway from external control.
The U.S.-Panama agreement underscores the strategic importance of the Panama Canal as a critical transportation route and key economic asset for both countries. By enhancing military cooperation and security measures, the partnership seeks to ensure the continued operation and security of the canal while countering external threats. This agreement represents a significant step in strengthening the defense and security capabilities of both nations and underscores their commitment to maintaining the sovereignty and integrity of the Panama Canal in the face of growing regional challenges.
