U.S. To Deploy Troops At Bases Near Panama Canal To Check Growing Chinese Influence

Panama and the United States have signed a joint declaration to protect the Panama Canal and counter growing concerns about China’s influence in the region.

The agreement was signed between Panama’s Minister for Canal Affairs and the US Secretary of Defense during a security-focused visit to Panama City.

This declaration confirms that both countries recognise Panama’s sovereign control over the interoceanic canal and agree to fully respect the Neutrality Treaty of 1977.

It also confirms that the legal structure governing the canal, including Panama’s Constitution, the Neutrality Treaty and the Canal’s Organic Law, will remain the foundation of its operation.

The agreement plans to develop a new system that will allow US warships and auxiliary vessels to receive services from the Panama Canal Authority on a cost-neutral basis.

This model will be developed in coordination with Panama’s Ministry of Security and reviewed together.

The declaration also mentions that cooperation in areas like engineering, canal security and cyber security, will be part of the ongoing discussions to determine the compensation model.

It is the first step in creating a long-term security and operational framework.

During a joint press conference with Panama’s Public Security Minister Frank Abrego, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the partnership aims to protect the canal from external threats and reduce Chinese influence in the region.

He stated that the United States would no longer accept what he called “coercion” by China and said that Chinese control of strategic land and infrastructure in the hemisphere “cannot and will not stand.”

Hegseth discussed the strategic importance of the Panama Canal, saying it must be protected by Panama, in partnership with the US, and not by China.

He added that the signed MOU will strengthen security cooperation and lead to more joint military training, improved interoperability, and the return of a US rotational military presence at key sites in Panama.

Former US military bases like Rodman Naval Station, Howard Air Force Base, and Fort Sherman will once again be used for joint training between US and Panamanian troops.

Plans are also being made to reopen the jungle operations center at Fort Sherman to support these exercises.

The MOU also covers sharing intelligence, enhancing cyber defenses, improving canal-related infrastructure and expanding overall defense collaboration.

When asked about Panama’s control over the canal, Hegseth responded by saying that for them protecting the Panamanian sovereignty is a top priority.

The US has currently deployed two guided-missile cruisers, four F-18 fighter jets, one Coast Guard cutter, and over 1,000 service members, including a Marine Corps infantry unit, who are already in Panama participating in training activities with local forces.

Additionally, the US Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort will visit Panama this summer to provide medical support and humanitarian aid. He also pointed out that the US and Panama are working together to fight violent criminal organisations.

Hegseth called the partnership with Panama a “golden age of clear-eyed Americanism” and said that the US hopes to help build a safe and prosperous future across the entire Western Hemisphere.

He concluded by saying that the United States wants not only to “make America great again” but also to “make the Americas great again.”

References: Panama Canal, US government

Source: Maritime Shipping News