The United States, seeking to counter China's influence over the Panama Canal, has conducted a joint military exercise with Panama.
According to AFP on July 14 (local time), the U.S. military carried out a military drill with Panama's National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) aimed at protecting the Panama Canal. The exercise reportedly involved two U.S. Black Hawk (UH-60) helicopters and one Chinook (CH-47) helicopter.
SENAN stated that the purpose of the exercise is to ensure that the Panamanian military and regional countries are prepared for any security threats to the Panama Canal. The training is scheduled to continue until July 18.
U.S. President Donald Trump has insisted on reclaiming the Panama Canal "operated by China" since the launch of his second administration. He has specifically pressured CK Hutchison, a Hong Kong conglomerate-owned company that operates part of the canal's port facilities. In response, CK Hutchison has decided to sell its rights to operate Panama's ports and related assets to a consortium led by the U.S. asset management firm BlackRock.
China, in response to the planned sale, has launched measures such as an antitrust investigation into CK Hutchison, intensifying the ongoing conflict between the United States and China over the Panama Canal. Panama has consistently dismissed calls for reclamation, emphasizing that the canal is managed under the government's autonomous regulatory body. However, in April, Panama did cooperate with the United States by signing a bilateral agreement allowing the U.S. military to use Panamanian air force and naval bases for training purposes.
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