US Defense Secretary Slams China's Plan to Seize the Panama Canal
During an interview with Fox News, US Defense Secretary Pete Hedgeseth said that China is attempting to control the Panama Canal through infrastructure projects and political pressure.
"China wants to control politicians. They want to take over this channel. President Trump said that if we don't intervene, we will retaliate," said the head of the Pentagon.
Hedgeseth also claimed that under former President Biden's administration, the US was "negligent," but this situation will now change.
On January 20th, Trump expressed his intention to gain control of the Panama Canal in his inaugural address. On February 2nd, US Secretary of State Rubio visited Panama and told President Mulinho that Trump was unwilling to maintain the status quo as China's influence in Panama seemed to grow. Afterward, Mulinho stated that the Panamanian government would no longer renew the Memorandum of Understanding on co-building the Belt and Road Initiative with China.
On April 10th, Trump announced that the US military had been deployed to Panama. Hedgeseth emphasized that one of the top priorities for the US is to ensure free and secure passage through the Panama Canal.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829361257649226/
Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's views.