Amidst growing geopolitical tensions, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated a significant strategic review to ensure uninterrupted U.S. access to the Panama Canal.
Breitbart reported that in a bold move, Hegseth has ordered the creation of military strategies to safeguard and potentially enhance U.S. dominion over this vital maritime route.
The call for military plans is rooted in the newly drafted Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance. This document, which supplants the 2022 edition, seeks alignment with President Donald Trump's broader foreign policy goals, emphasizing the necessity to counteract China's growing regional influence.
The U.S. Southern Command, a key player in this strategic evaluation, has formulated preliminary options.
These include ensuring safe passage for U.S. vessels and exploring the feasibility of restoring comprehensive U.S. control over the canal operations.
With China’s influence looming large, the Trump administration is making decisive efforts to reclaim influence in the Panama region.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has actively engaged with Panamanian leaders to diminish China's grip, leading to Panama’s refusal to renew significant infrastructure agreements with Chinese entities.
This geopolitical chess game includes a proposal from Hegseth for the U.S. military to potentially secure or construct additional ports in Panama. An even bolder strategy under consideration is the deployment of the Army Corps of Engineers to manage the Panama Canal’s locks directly.
Moving towards a potential shift in ownership, strategic talks have also led to a massive U.S. corporate push into the region.
Trump highlighted a significant development where an American investment group, including BlackRock, has undertaken to purchase a majority stake in the Panama Ports Company, previously held by Hong Kong’s CK Hutchinson, for a hefty $22.8 billion.
These strategic maneuvers are part of a larger schema featured in Hegseth’s memo, which emphasizes the reinforcement of the U.S. military presence in the Western Hemisphere.
The document underlines the necessity to focus on strategic adversaries like China and to advocate for greater autonomy among European allies in their defense capabilities.
The strategies extend beyond mere military might; they stride into the economic arena and defense partnerships. The recent investments are viewed as a dual effort to stifle Chinese economic outreach and bolster American economic stakes in critical global infrastructure.
Additionally, the presence of over 200 U.S. troops in Panama emphasizes this point. These troops, including elite Special Forces, are not only aiding local forces but also underpinning the U.S.’s commitment to securing this strategic asset.
The articulated priorities in the National Defense Strategy echo a broader canvas of American defense diplomacy.
By providing military aid to Israel and arming partners in the Arabian Gulf, the U.S. is knitting a tighter network of alliances aimed at collective security against common threats.
This strategy is further complemented by fostering military cooperation between Israel and Sunni Gulf states, showcasing a multifaceted approach to global security dynamics driven by diplomatic, economic, and military levers.
As these plans unfold, Secretary Hegseth's upcoming visit to Panama next month is slated to be a crucial step. His trip is expected to solidify the strategies discussed and perhaps finalize the terms of the increasing American ingression into Panamanian economic and military spheres.