Panama, the United States locks in a new security charter for the channel with a quiet fire, Chinese tensions

The United States and Panama officially signed a new defensive and security agreement aimed at enhancing control of the Panama channel, which is a step Defense Minister Beit Higseth claims It is important to pay the growing grip of China in the region.

In a press release published on Wednesday night on X, the Panama Channel Authority confirmed that the Minister of Channel Affairs in Panama and HegSet had signed a joint announcement that reaffirm the benching sovereignty and defines new military cooperation.

The channel’s authority stated that the deal “reaffirming respect, and recognizing the Panocedonian sovereignty.”

It also supports the commitment of each of the two countries to the neutrality treaty and the legal framework that governs the channels of the channel, including the Panama constitution, the treaty itself, and the organic law of the channel.

Higseth says that Panama has agreed to allow us to travel ships to travel “first and free” through the channel

But the advertisement exceeds the words. It sets plans for a cost -sharing model to cover the services provided to American warships and auxiliary ships, with the aim of keeping them “neutral in cost.”

“Efforts will be made (to) a mechanism that allows compensation for services provided to warships and additional ships, and seeks to obtain a cost -cost neutral basis,” says the statement. “This mechanism will be evaluated in conjunction with the Panama Ministry of Security.”

Defense Minister Beit Higseth speaks in Panama on April 9, 2025. (Franco Brana/AFP via Getty Images)

According to HegSeth, there is also a broader framework that would guarantee us warships “first and free” through the Panama channel.

Higseth announced on Wednesday that US officials and developing have already signed a memorandum of understanding, and that the final document is on its way to secure a formal free priority for US naval ships.

At the same time, the channel’s authority confirmed that this agreement is just the beginning. “The advertisement is a first step in creating this model, which will be developed in later stages.”

The United States, Panama “Restore” a channel from “China’s influence”, says Higseth

While the United States is adopting its military coordination, the Panama Channel Authority confirmed that cooperation already includes “cybersecurity, security and security”, the main areas of focus of both governments while pushing it against foreign interference.

This step comes just as the United States is preparing to publish COMFORT USNS, a naval hospital ship, To the area In presentation of existence and partnership.

Earlier this week, Higseth visited the United States forces, met Banmon officials, and toured the channel. And he sharply warned against that China’s arrival In the western hemisphere is already larger, and still grows.

Panama President Jose Raul Moulino is walking with Defense Minister Beit Higseth during the signing of a bilateral agreement in Panama on April 9, 2025. (Franco Brana/AFP via Getty Images)

“Do not make mistakes, Beijing is investing and working in this region for the military advantage and unfair economic gains,” said Higseth. “They run military facilities and ground stations that extend to their arrival in space. They take advantage of natural resources and land to calm global military ambitions in China. Factory fossils in China steals food from our countries and our people.”

Higseth emphasized that the war is not the goal. “Together, we should prevent war by deterring China’s threats in the hemisphere strongly and strongly,” he said.

He also explained that the United States is taking steps to counter the Chinese infrastructure in Panama.

“China -based companies are continuing to control critical infrastructure in the canal area,” said Higseth. “This gives China the ability to conduct surveillance activities throughout Panama. This makes Panama and the United States less safe, less prosperous and less sovereign. President Donald Trump He pointed out that this situation is unacceptable.

Panama President Jose Raul Moulino (C) is viewed that the Minister of Security in Panama Frank Abrago (L) and Defense Minister Beit Higseth are preparing to sign a bilateral agreement, in the city of Panama on April 9, 2025. (Franco Brana/AFP via Getty Images)

“The United States will not allow China to threaten the channel’s operation,” Higseth was frank. He added: “To achieve this end, the United States has done more in recent weeks to enhance our defense and security cooperation more than we have for decades.”

Despite the increasing military and political coordination, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino publicly denied that China dominates the channel.

“I completely reject this statement US State Department A deal has already been reached to ensure a free traffic for American warships. The channel’s body added that it “did not make any modifications” to its fee structure.

Click here to get the Fox News app

Higseth was not immediately responded to the Fox News Digital request for comment.

Fox News Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.