In an effort to regain control over the important commerce route, the United States will reclaim the Panama Canal from "China's influence," according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's statement on Tuesday. 

The DefSec's statements come after months of the Trump administration has continued their ever expanding efforts to find a way to get operational control over the southern border of the United States, and stem the flow of illicit drugs, as Fox News reported.

Since taking office, the administration has enlisted not just the military, but multiple other agencies to try to fend off illegal drugs and immigrants.

From Hegseth's Comments

"The United States of America will not allow communist China or any other country to threaten the canal's operation or integrity," Hegseth said during a press event in the Central American nation.

"To this end, the United States and Panama have done more in recent weeks to strengthen our defense and security cooperation than we have in decades. Together, we will take back the Panama Canal from China's influence," he added.

Since the start of the current administration, Panama has consistently rejected President Donald Trump's claims that China effectively has control over the canal,

The administration has made the statements out of knowledge gained from operating the two major ports on either end of the waterway.

Going Forward

Hegseth outlined the military's plan of joint exercises, operations, and presence of the U.S. military in and around the canal in an effort to counter China, though it is as yet unclear whether this signified an increase in U.S. presence in the region.

"Our relationship with Panama, especially our security relationship, will continue to grow in the months and years ahead," Hegseth said.

"Our relationship is growing in part to meet communist China's rising challenges."

According to the defense secretary, Chinese enterprises are persevering in constructing "critical infrastructure" in the canal, which grants China the "potential" capability to "conduct surveillance."

What This Means for Panama

"This makes Panama and the United States less secure, less prosperous, less sovereign," Hegseth added

He then pivoted to what the U.S. Wants to make known about China's involvement, saying, "I want to be very clear. China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal, and China will not weaponize this canal."

The Chinese embassy in D.C. has not responded to journalists' requests for comment on the secretary of defense's statements.

In light of the recent conflict on trade between the United States and China, it is likely that the