### The inevitable geopolitical chessboard: the Panama Canal at the heart of American-Chinese tensions
The Panama Canal, a vital artery for global maritime trade, stands out as a symbol of increasing geopolitical rivalries between the United States and China. The recent visit of the United States Minister of Defense, Pete Hegseth, in the canal area not only illustrates the strategic importance of this waterway, but also the subtle issues played there in a context of persistent international tensions.
#### An ecosystem of rivalries
On the historical level, the canal was inaugurated in 1914, marking the beginning of an era of dominant American interests in Central America. The retrocession of channel management in Panama in 1999 was considered a turning point, symbolizing the end of a period of American hegemony in the region. However, this Panamanian sovereignty is increasingly perceived by Washington as threatened by the growing influence of Beijing.
The Pete Hegseth Declaration indicating that the United States would not allow China to compromise the integrity of the canal is revealing a logic of defense of a space which they consider to be historically their. This position is all the more paradoxical as it shows an almost paternalistic approach to the United States vis-à-vis a sovereign country whose aspirations and needs are often ignored.
### Economic and strategic implications
This confrontation also echoes global economic issues. The Panama Canal is a maritime strategic route by which around 5 % of world trade transit, connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific. The exploitation by the Hong Kong giant CK Hutchison of two ports of the canal raises questions about the security and economic independence of Panama.
Statistically, the importance of exchanges via the canal results in an increasing volume of maritime transport, accentuated by the globalization of supply chains. The relationship between Chinese economic influence and American reluctance to abandon its historical rights is a battlefield on which contemporary domination is played out.
#### The Panamanian position between two powers
In this dynamic, Panama is found in an intriguing position. While the country seeks to maintain its independence, it is also forced to sail between the requirements of the two giants. The recent decision of Panamanian President José Raul Mulino not to renew the trade agreement with China testifies to a desire to align itself more on American interests. However, such orientation can have long -term impact on the country’s economic stability, which could be penalized in its relationship with China, an important economic partner.
The fact that Panama has ordered an audit causing suspicion of violations by CK Hutchison shows that the government plays a delicate game to adjust its loyalties while protecting itself. The implications of this audit go beyond the simple activity report; They relate to the economic sovereignty of Panama.
#### Reactions and manifestations: the voice of the people
The popular face of this situation was also manifested through demonstrations against Hegseth’s visit, illustrating dissatisfaction with American interventionism. Social movements, often underestimated, play a crucial role in shaping policies. Peruvian resistance-symbolized by fears of neocolonialism and dependence on the United States-highlights the need for more balanced diplomacy, which respects often marginalized voices.
#### to an uncertain future
In short, the visit of the American Minister of Defense in Panama is a clear illustration of the strategic rivalry which is played not only in the corridors of diplomacy, but also in the daily life of the Panamasians. The challenges of this confrontation are not limited to a simple showdown between two major powers. They also raise fundamental questions about Panama’s sovereignty, security and the economic future in an increasingly polarized world.
This is how the Panama canal, far from being a simple maritime passage, has turned into a symbol of contemporary geopolitical complexity, where history, economics and sovereignty intertwine in a thrilling story of international ambitions. The coming months will be decisive for the Kingdom of the Canal, and it is only by losing an attentive ear to the local issues that we can hope to reach a balanced resolution of tensions.