China Slams U.S. for ‘Blackmail’ Over Panama Canal Comments

China has condemned recent remarks made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth concerning the Panama Canal, accusing the United States of “blackmail” in an effort to challenge China’s growing presence in the region.

Hegseth, during a ceremony to inaugurate a new U.S.-funded dock at the Panama Canal, expressed concerns over China’s involvement with key infrastructure at both ends of the waterway. He claimed that China’s influence in the canal, specifically through the Hong Kong-based company CK Hutchison, represents a security threat and warned that both the U.S. and Panama would take steps to “reclaim” the canal from Chinese control.

In response, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused the U.S. of “maliciously attacking” China and attempting to disrupt Panama’s sovereign relations with Beijing. Lin also accused Washington of “spreading rumors” and sowing discord between the two countries. “The U.S. needs to reflect on its own actions,” Lin stated, emphasizing that the real threat to global sovereignty and development came from U.S. interference in other nations’ affairs.

The Chinese Embassy in Panama escalated the rhetoric, calling the U.S. actions “blackmail” and reiterating that Panama is fully entitled to establish its own diplomatic and economic relations. The embassy stressed Panama’s right to engage with China without undue external pressures from Washington.

Hegseth’s comments echoed concerns raised by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously warned that China’s control of critical ports at the Panama Canal could undermine Panama’s security. Trump argued that China’s influence over the canal could allow for surveillance and espionage activities.

Defending his position, Hegseth reiterated the U.S. commitment to counteracting “malign Chinese influence” and underscored the importance of the U.S.-Panama partnership in ensuring the security and integrity of the Panama Canal. He asserted that the canal’s security is crucial not only to Panama but to global trade stability as well.

This exchange highlights the intensifying geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and China, particularly in Latin America. As both nations vie for influence in the region, the control over strategic infrastructure like the Panama Canal has become a significant point of contention, with both sides seeking to secure their interests in a vital global trade route.