Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has secured a landmark agreement granting U.S. ships prioritized, toll-free access to the Panama Canal, a strategic win amid rising Chinese influence in the region.
At a Glance
- U.S. wins toll-free Panama Canal access
- Panama exits China’s Belt and Road plan
- Expanded U.S. military presence agreed
- Pact boosts trade, counters China’s reach
- Hegseth hails deal as strategic triumph
Canal Access Secured for U.S. Ships
In a bold move to safeguard American trade and security interests, the Trump administration has clinched a pivotal maritime agreement with Panama. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the “first and free” passage accord during a recent visit, granting U.S. ships cost-free, expedited access to the Panama Canal—a waterway that supports more than 40% of U.S. maritime commerce.
The diplomatic victory comes amid intensifying competition with China, whose state-backed investments and port deals had begun raising red flags in U.S. intelligence circles. Hegseth’s talks with Panamanian officials culminated in strengthened bilateral security commitments and a high-profile inspection of canal operations.
Watch Breitbart News’ report on the incident at Hegseth vows U.S. will secure Panama Canal against China.
Rubio, Hegseth Shift Panama’s Alignment
Secretary of State Marco Rubio played a critical role in steering Panama away from Chinese economic influence. Under U.S. guidance, Panama officially withdrew from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a sweeping infrastructure project seen by many as a Trojan horse for global political leverage. The withdrawal punctuates a broader regional pivot, as nations reconsider ties with Beijing in favor of U.S.-backed partnerships.
A senior U.S. defense official described the deal as a textbook case of countering China’s geopolitical expansion: “This is a good example of how we align perfectly within the realm of that strategy.” The U.S. presence in the region will now grow through military collaboration, including enhanced joint training and logistical cooperation.
Strategic Control Restored
With China recently maneuvering to delay the sale of strategic ports near the canal, the U.S.-Panama pact represents more than just logistics—it reasserts American dominance in a vital global chokepoint. Hegseth, speaking from the canal zone, described the visit as “exceeding expectations” and praised the Panamanian government’s hospitality and cooperation. He also lauded their work in securing the dangerous Darien Gap region, a critical smuggling corridor.
The “first and free” agreement provides not only immediate economic and military benefits but also long-term assurance that America retains privileged access to a global trade artery. For the Trump administration, this success adds weight to its foreign policy posture—projecting strength, deterring rivals, and reinforcing key alliances.
As tensions simmer globally over sea lanes and infrastructure dominance, the Panama Canal agreement signals that Washington is not retreating from its role as gatekeeper of international trade. Instead, it’s doubling down—one strategic corridor at a time.
