Panama promotes itself “as the bridge of the world, heart of the universe” but lately the narrow Central American Isthmus and its namesake canal that joins the Atlantic to the Pacific have become the setting for a bitter clash between the world’s two preeminent economic superpowers.

U.S. Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth said on Wednesday he sees the Panama Canal as key terrain that Panama should secure together with the United States and not with China, adding it was important to protect it from "malign" influence.

Panama said on Wednesday the United States recognized its sovereignty over the Panama Canal, despite tough rhetoric from Washington, as the two nations announced agreements to deepen U.S. military training in the Central American nation.

The United States will "take back" the Panama Canal from Chinese influence, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday during a visit to the Central American nation.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that he would sign a declaration with Panama Wednesday on the security and operation of the Panama Canal to allow U.S. warships to "sail first and free."

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Panama Canal faces threats from China but together the U.S. and Panama will keep it secure

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth secured commitments but left some Panamanian officials wondering if they would mollify President Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to “take back” the Panama Canal.

U.S. military take part in a joint drill with Panamanian troops at the Panama Canal during the visit of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Port of Rodman in West Panama, Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday the Panama Canal faces ongoing threats from China but that together the United States and Panama will keep it secure.