US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently visited Panama, promising collaboration to counter China’s growing influence on the Panama Canal. Hegseth’s visit underscores increasing US concerns regarding Chinese ventures in the area. This comes in the wake of former President Trump’s proposal of potential military action to regain control of the canal. President Jose Raul Mulino has shown support for US initiatives by withdrawing Panama from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The discussions during Hegseth’s visit highlight the strategic importance of the Panama Canal and the efforts being made to ensure its security and stability in the face of geopolitical challenges.