US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently visited Panama, where he vowed to enhance cooperation to counter China’s increasing influence over the Panama Canal. Hegseth’s trip underscores mounting worries in the US regarding Chinese initiatives in the area. Former President Trump had even proposed using military action to regain control of the canal. Current President Jose Raul Mulino is in favor of American initiatives and has withdrawn Panama from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, showing a commitment to aligning with the US on this matter.