Pentagon chief says US could ‘revive’ Panama bases

The United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseeth, on Wednesday, April 9, floated the idea that US troops return to Panama to “secure” their strategically vital channel, a suggestion quickly rejected by the country’s government. Duration A visit to Panama, Hegseeth suggested that “by invitation” the United States could “revive” the military bases or naval air stations and rotate deployments of US troops to an isthmus that the United States invaded 35 years ago.

Since he came to power in January, President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that China has too much influence on the channel, which manages about 40% of American container traffic and 5% of world trade. His administration has promised to “recover” the control of the interoceanic river route that the United States financed, built and controlled until 1999.

Hegseeth suggested on Wednesday the series of former US military bases that Dot Panama could again organize US troops. He said that an agreement signed with Panama this week was an “opportunity to revive, be it the military base, the Naval Air Station, the places where US troops can work with Panamanian troops to improve capacities and cooperation in a rotating way.” Hegseeth cited the possibility of “joint exercises”, but it is likely that the mention of a “rotational” force raises the Hackles of the Panamanians, for whom the only property of the channel is a source of intense national pride.

The United States has long participated in military exercises in Panama. But a longer term rotation force, which the United States maintains in Darwin, Australia, is political toxic to the right -wing leader of the center of Panama, José Raúl Mulino. His government quickly slapped the idea.

“Panama made it clear, through the president (José Raúl) Mulino that we cannot accept military bases or defense sites,” said Panama Security Minister Frank Abrego, in a public appearance jointly with Hegseth.

‘Determine the threats of China’

The two -day visit of the head of the Pentagon has been dotted with comments on China and its influence in Latin America. He said that the United States is not looking for war in China, but will counteract Beijing’s “threats” with the region. “We do not see war with China. And war with China is certainly not inevitable. We don’t see it in any way,” said the secretary.

“But together, we must prevent war by determining China’s threats in this hemisphere,” said former Fox News presenter in a speech. The channel is directed by an independent Panaman authority, which is legally obliged to be open to all nations. But Trump has concentrated on the role of a Hong Kong company that for decades has operated ports at each end of the channel that joins the Atlantic and the Pacific.

Hegseeth said that China -based companies are also capturing Latin American land and infrastructure in strategic sectors such as energy and telecommunications and that China has a military presence too large in the hemisphere. “Do not be wrong, Beijing is investing and operating in this region to obtain a military advantage and an unfair economic gain,” said Hegseeth.

Under the pressure of the White House, Panama accused the Panama port company backed by Hong of not fulfilling its contractual obligations and has pressed for the company to withdraw from the country. On Wednesday, the firm rejected an audit that said it had not been able to pay $ 1.2 billion due to its concession.

The matrix company of the Ports, CK Hutchison, announced last month an agreement to download 43 ports in 23 countries, including its two in the Panama Canal, to a consortium led by the US assets manager. UU. Blackrock for $ 19 billion in cash. Since then, a furious Beijing has announced an antiponopoly review of the agreement.

The United States invaded Panama in 1989 to expel the dictator Manuel Noriega, killing more than 500 Panamanians and dragging parts of the capital.