US defence chief Hegseth in Panama as Trump vows to take back canal
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is in Panama, amid repeated demands by US President Donald Trump to take back a key shipping lane. Mr Hegseth will visit the Panama Canal and meet President José Raúl Mulino — who American officials call a willing partner in tackling Chinese influence in the waterway. Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed that alleged Chinese control of operations there threatens US national security. The fight over the strategic trade route impacts not just big businesses, but also ordinary people. Olivia Siong reports.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is in Panama, amid repeated demands by US President Donald Trump to take back a key shipping lane. Mr Hegseth will visit the Panama Canal and meet President José Raúl Mulino — who American officials call a willing partner in tackling Chinese influence in the waterway. Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed that alleged Chinese control of operations there threatens US national security. The fight over the strategic trade route impacts not just big businesses, but also ordinary people. Olivia Siong reports.
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