The Pentagon chief has announced a series of "bold steps" to "secure" the crucial waterway

The United States has vowed to "take back" the Panama Canal from Chinese influence and has launched a series of military deployments and joint exercises with Panama to reinforce that commitment, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The Pentagon chief attended the inauguration of a new US-financed dock at the Vasco Nunez de Balboa Naval Base on Tuesday, touting the facility as a symbol of the "shared commitment to the canal's security," following President Donald Trump's repeated threats to "reclaim" the key waterway.

"China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal. And China will not weaponize this canal," Hegseth declared in his speech. "Together we will take back the Panama Canal from China's influence. And we will do this along with other capable, like-minded allies and partners. This is what peace through strength looks like."

Earlier this year, the US president refused to rule out the use of military force to take control of the canal, stating that all options are on the table to protect "national security" interests. Last month, Trump reportedly directed the Pentagon to "provide credible military options to ensure fair and unfettered US military and commercial access."

Hegseth confirmed that multiple US Navy vessels, Coast Guard assets, and aircraft have since been deployed in and around Panama as part of "bold first steps to revive our defense and security ties between our countries."

Among the US military assets currently operating in Panama are the guided missile cruisers USS Chosin and USS Normandy, as well as the USCGC Kimball, a high-endurance US Coast Guard cutter. Additionally, US Marine Corps and Navy aircraft are participating in bilateral drills aimed at enhancing air and maritime coordination.

Hegseth reiterated Washington's warning of "ongoing threats" posed by China's control of surrounding infrastructure and accused Beijing of using economic leverage for intelligence-gathering. "China-based companies continue to control critical infrastructure in the canal area. That gives China the potential to conduct surveillance activities across Panama," he claimed.

Panamanian officials have previously rejected Trump's assertions and threats, while the Panama Canal Authority maintains that the canal is operated solely by Panamanians, with no evidence supporting claims of Chinese control. President Jose Ral Mulino has stated that the canal is part of Panama's "inalienable patrimony" and stressed that the country maintains full control over its operations.

However, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio personally delivered Trump's ultimatum to Panama in February, Mulino made a concession to Washington by refusing to renew the country's 2017 agreements with China under Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative.