Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has rejected a proposal floated by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to establish American military bases in Panama, reaffirming his country’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal.
During a speech at the Central American Security Conference in Panama City, Hegseth suggested that U.S. military deployments could be considered on Panamanian soil, but emphasized that any such action would require the government’s consent.
The proposal drew swift pushback from Mulino’s administration. “Panama will not host foreign military bases,” the president said, underscoring the country’s position on national sovereignty and control over the strategic waterway.
The visit also sparked controversy after Panama requested a revision of the English version of a joint communiqué on the Panama Canal. Officials said the word “sovereignty,” present in the Spanish version, had been omitted in the English text. The U.S. has since acknowledged Panama’s sovereignty over the canal.
The diplomatic strain follows repeated claims by former President Donald Trump that the Panama Canal is controlled by China and that the U.S. is overpaying for access. Panamanian officials have denied both assertions.
Despite the tensions, the U.S. and Panama announced plans to expand military training cooperation and reaffirmed their strategic partnership. Hegseth’s visit from April 7 to 9 included meetings with President Mulino, the Canal Administrator, and the Ministers of the Canal and Security.