In a series of developments surrounding the Panama Canal, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has emphasized the need for the United States to actively counter China’s growing presence in the region. Following his visit to Panama, Hegseth expressed a feeling of ‘communism’ during his trip, asserting that the US must not be ‘asleep at the wheel’ in protecting the canal. The discussions have led to a new defense pact between the US and Panama, focusing on reinforcing Panama’s sovereignty and ensuring that US troops can operate in the area. In response, the Panama opposition has accused the US of a ‘camouflaged invasion,’ highlighting the rising tensions over this strategic waterway. As both nations vie for influence, Hegseth stated that the US is determined to ‘take back’ the canal from Chinese hands, while China has accused the US of engaging in blackmail amidst these allegations. As the situation evolves, the world watches closely to see how this struggle will shape the future of the Panama Canal.