Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Tuesday said the U.S. will take back the Panama Canal from “China’s influence” as Washington tries to reassert control over the major trade route. 

“The United States of America will not allow communist China or any other country to threaten the canal’s operation or integrity,” he said during a press event from the Central American nation. “To this end, the United States and Panama have done more in recent weeks to strengthen our defense and security cooperation than we have in decades.

“Together we will take back the Panama Canal from China’s influence,” he added.

Panama Security Minister Frank Abrego hosts Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Presidential Palace in Panama City, Panama on April 8, 2025. (Daniel A. Gonzalez/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“Our relationship with Panama, especially our security relationship, will continue to grow in the months and years ahead,” Hegseth said. “Our relationship is growing in part to meet communist China’s rising challenges.”

The defense secretary said China-based companies continue to install “critical infrastructure” in the canal, which gives China the “potential” ability to “conduct surveillance.”

Two cargo ships sail on Gatun Lake near the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon City, Panama, on Dec. 28, 2024. (Arnulfo Franco/AFP via Getty Images)

“This makes Panama and the United States less secure, less prosperous, less sovereign,” he added.  

“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,” Hegseth said.

The Chinese embassy in D.C. did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.