Panama: US acknowledges Panama's sovereign right over the canal
Panama announced on Wednesday that the United States recognizes its sovereignty over the Panama Canal despite the harsh rhetoric of Washington. The two nations also announced an agreement to intensify U.S. Military Training in Central America.
In the first Pentagon visit to Panama for decades, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that he views the canal as a key area that Panama will secure with the U.S. and not China.
Hegseth said at a Panama City press conference that "we are helping to reclaim the Panama Canal from Chinese communist influence." The Panamanian Government has rejected U.S. accusations that the canal is under Chinese control.
Experts and current and former U.S. government officials say that the United States is concerned about China's presence, particularly in Panama. They are worried that Chinese companies could use ports and other infrastructure to spy on Americans.
During Hegseth’s visit, both the U.S.A. and Panama released joint statements on deepening their security cooperation. The English-language Pentagon version did not contain a sentence in the Spanish version that talked about Panama's sovereignty on the canal.
The sentence was: "Additionally, Secretary Hegseth acknowledged the leadership and unalienable sovereignty that Panama has over the Panama Canal as well as its surrounding areas."
Hegseth responded to the question of whether he recognized Panamanian sovereignty by saying: "We understand that Panama Canal is located in Panama and protecting Panamanian sovereignty from malign influences is important."
Hegseth stated that when President Trump declares we are taking back the Panama Canal Canal from Chinese influence, this involves partnership between the United States and Panama.
We're thankful that the Panamanian government has invited U.S. troops to join them in joint rotational exercises.
Frank Abrego, Minister of Public Security in Panama, said that Panama will not permit permanent military bases.
He told reporters that "Secretary Hegseth recognized in our private meeting the sovereignty of Panama in relation to the Panama Canal." (Reporting and writing by Phil Stewart, Sarah Morland, Chris Reese & Rod Nickel).
(source: Reuters)