Hegseth Criticizes China's Influence at Panama Conference

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth criticized China's growing influence in Latin America during a regional security conference in Panama, citing its control over strategic infrastructure as a threat to regional stability and U.S. interests. Hegseth emphasized the strategic importance of the Panama Canal and suggested that it should be secured by Panama and the U.S. rather than China, amid allegations of Chinese control through Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison's lease on canal ports. The Trump administration has expressed concern over China's influence and has threatened to reclaim control of the canal. In response, China accused the U.S. of bullying and attempting to sabotage China-Panama cooperation for its geopolitical interests. Panama's government has denied allegations of China's control over the canal and has started auditing the lease held by CK Hutchison. Meanwhile, CK Hutchison is selling its stake in the ports to a consortium including BlackRock, potentially shifting control to American interests.