Defense Secretary Hegseth said the U.S. and Panama are strengthening security ties and "together" will "take back" the canal from the influence of China, which operates two major ports.

The United States will not allow China to jeopardize the operations of the Panama Canal, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned during a visit to the Central American nation on Tuesday.

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. Hegseth, following talks with Panama's government,