The United States, US, Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has declared that China can't weaponize the Panama canal.
Hegseth explained that China did not build the canal, hence can't weaponize it.
Addressing a news conference in Panama City, he said the US military would protect the canal.
He said: “This leaves Panama and the US less secure, less prosperous, and less sovereign. And as Trump has pointed out, that situation is not acceptable.
“We are grateful to president Molino and your team along with the Panama canal authority for responding to this threats and safeguarding the canal.
“President Molino decision to withdraw from the belt initiative reflects his government's clear understanding of China and the threat it poses.
“I want to be VERY clear. China did not BUILD this canal, China does not operate this canal, and China will not weaponize this canal.
“Together with Panama in the lead, we will keep the canal secured for all nations through the most lethal force in the world.”
