TOKYO -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino agreed to "safeguard" the Panama Canal in a call, as Washington steps up pressure to curb Chinese influence in the Central American country.
Trump administration
Panama's president, U.S. defense chief agree to 'safeguard' canal
Hegseth to visit country soon, with Hong Kong port operator under scrutiny
A worker monitors a cargo ship named COSCO Houston as it navigates through locks in the Panama Canal. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is determined to curb Chinese influence surrounding the waterway. © Reuters
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