Panama and the U.S. signed a new security pact on the canal, boosting defense ties as tensions with China over Latin American influence continue to rise.

Hegseth's comments came during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new U.S.-funded dock at the Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Naval Base.

Defense Secretary Hegseth said the U.S. and Panama are strengthening security ties and "together" will "take back" the canal from the influence of China, which operates two major ports.

Last week, the Defense Department touted several important triumphs won by Hegseth in Panama, including an agreement on a joint declaration that will allow US warships and auxiliary ships to travel ...

The defense secretary warned China has “too much influence” over the vital waterway and that the Trump administration “is ...

United States President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for America to “reclaim” the Panama Canal from what he termed ...

A huge deal President Donald Trump touted as a victory in his campaign to “take back” the Panama Canal from China could be on the rocks amid pushback from Beijing.

BEIJING—China on Friday lashed out at what it called U.S. “coercion” after Panama declined to renew a key infrastructure agreement with Beijing following Washington’s threat to take back ...

On the latest episode of The President’s Inbox, Jim sat down with Will Freeman, fellow for Latin America studies at the Council, to discuss President Donald Trump’s effort to reassert U.S. influence ...