US vows to ‘take back’ Panama Canal from Chinese influence, says Defence Secretary Hegseth

News Snapshot:

More than 40% of U.S. container traffic, valued at roughly $270 billion a year, goes through the Panama Canal, accounting for more than two-thirds of vessels passing each day through the world’s second-busiest interoceanic waterway read more U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Panama Canal Authority Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez, and Commander of the U.S. Southern Command Adm. Alvin Holsey pose during a tour of the Miraflores locks, in Panama City, Panama. Reuters The United States will “take back” the Panama Canal from Chinese influence, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday during a visit to the Central American nation....