Ankara: China on Wednesday criticized US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his recent comments regarding the Panama Canal, asserting that Beijing opposes what it perceives as Washington’s “bullying and hegemony.”
According to Anadolu Agency, Hegseth had stated on Tuesday that the United States intends to reclaim the Panama Canal from what he described as “China’s influence.” In response, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian addressed the media in Beijing, condemning Hegseth’s statements. Lin accused the US official of maliciously attacking China and undermining the cooperative relationship between China and Panama.
During a joint news conference in Panama City with Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino, Hegseth emphasized that China neither constructed nor operates the canal and assured that China would not be allowed to “weaponize” it. However, Lin countered these claims, suggesting that it is evident who seeks control over the canal and accusing the US of threatening the sovereignty, security, and development of other nations.
Lin urged the US to cease spreading rumors and to refrain from associating China with the Panama Canal to justify America’s strategic interests in the region. The tension surrounding the canal comes after US President Donald Trump accused Panama of breaching its agreement with the US, vowing to reclaim control over the canal.
Following Trump’s remarks, US State Secretary Marco Rubio visited Panama and met with President Mulino, which coincided with Panama’s withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road initiative-a move that Beijing criticized. Subsequently, the Hong Kong-based company CK Hutchison agreed to sell two Panama ports to a US consortium led by BlackRock. Trump stated that his administration aims to recover the canal to bolster national security.
While the transaction between CK Hutchison and the US consortium is still pending, Beijing has announced its intention to review the agreement involving the sale of the two ports.