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Panama and US lock in new security pact for Canal

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CNN |
The escalating war of words between the US and China over the canal has left Panama – which does not have a military – baffled and brings to mind the old proverb of how “when elephants fight, it is t...
Yahoo |
U.S. Space Command said Wednesday that it has finalized options for President Donald Trump's “Golden Dome” missile defense system and has sent its recommendations to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fo...
Politico |
“Together with Panama in the lead, we will keep the canal secure and available for all nations through the deterrent power of the strongest, most effective and most lethal fighting force in the world,...

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US-China rivalry over Panama Canal sparks tensions, leaving Panama caught in war of words
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.
Panama and US lock in new security pact for Canal as China tensions simmer
Panama and the U.S. signed a new security pact on the canal, boosting defense ties as tensions with China over Latin American influence continue to rise.
Hegseth vows US will ‘take back’ Panama canal from Chinese influence
Panama's president has denied claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that America is literally retaking the canal.
Options for Trump's space-based 'Golden Dome' missile defense shield head to Hegseth for approval
U.S. Space Command said Wednesday that it has finalized options for President Donald Trump's “Golden Dome” missile defense system and has sent its recommendations to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his review and approval.
Pete Hegseth remarks in Panama: FULL VIDEO
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Panama and delivered remarks about ongoing military operations in the southern hemisphere.
Panama says US recognizes its control over canal
Welcome to The Hill’s Defense & NatSec newsletter{beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security   The Big Story Panama says US recognizes its
Hegseth tries carrot, not stick, on Panama
The Defense secretary promoted working with 'like-minded allies and partners' after Trump repeatedly threatened to take over the famous canal.
Panama Hopes Hegseth Visit Turns Page and Ends Trump Pressure
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.
PHOTO COLLECTION: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Panama
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.
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Seeking reset, Hegseth affirms Panama’s sovereignty over canal
We certainly respect the sovereignty of the Panamanians,” the U.S. defense secretary said before departing the country back to Washington.
Hegseth spurs fiery response from Beijing over Panama Canal ‘threat’ comments
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.
US to 'take back' Panama Canal from Chinese influence, visiting Pentagon chief says
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.
Hong Kong company denies that it failed to pay Panama under a contract to operate its canal ports
A subsidiary of a Hong Kong conglomerate that is embroiled in U.S.-China tensions over its Panama Canal port assets denied allegations Wednesday that it had failed to pay about $1.2 billion to the Central American country.
Panama Casts Doubt on BlackRock Canal Ports Deal Touted by Trump
The country’s top auditor said CK Hutchison owes the government $300 million, posing a hurdle to a plan touted by Trump to bring the ports under U.S. control.
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Axios Sneak Peek on MSN17h
Hegseth says U.S., Panama will "take back" canal "from China's influence"
China's Embassy in Panama responded: "Who keeps clamouring to 'take back' the canal? Who is the real threat to it?"
Contract for Hong Kong company to operate Panama Canal ports had irregularities, audit finds
Panama’s comptroller authority says an audit found irregularities in the renewal of a 25-year port concession in the interoceanic canal and it would request an investigation into the authorization of
Panama Canal Ship Pilot Navigates Tricky Waters, and Trump
Capt. Efraín Hallax, 73, has been steering vessels through the canal, and he has seen it all, from a dictator’s fall to the rise of U.S. interest in retaking the waterway.
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