President Donald Trump has now reportedly directed the U.S. military to develop plans for retaking the Panama Canal, aiming to reduce China’s influence in the region.
NBC News has now claimed that the effort, led by United States Southern Command, involves various strategies, including collaboration with Panamanian security forces and potential military action by the U.S.
Officials indicated that any military intervention would depend on Panama’s willingness to comply with U.S. demands.
Adm. Alvin Holsey, the commander of Southern Command, recently presented draft strategies to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, emphasizing that while a takeover of Panama is not ruled out, it would only be considered if increased U.S. military presence fails to achieve the objective of reclaiming the canal.
Trump has framed the operation as a “reclamation” of the canal, which the U.S. built and funded before transferring control to Panama under the Carter administration.
He insists that the agreement has been violated and that the canal should not have been handed over to China.
Trump stated, “We didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.”
Furthermore, Trump believes a visible U.S. military presence in the canal zone is crucial for demonstrating strength.
Administration officials argue that China has established a significant foothold near the canal, which could be leveraged to disrupt American shipping, especially military vessels, during conflicts.
Gen. Laura Richardson previously highlighted China’s strategic investments in the region, framing them as a means to enhance military access.
The developments surrounding the Panama Canal underline ongoing concerns regarding U.S. national security and geopolitical competition with China in critical maritime chokepoints.
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