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Pete Hegseth Says Panama Accepted Agreement on Warship Canal Passage After China Accused the U.S. of ‘Blackmail’

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U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the nation of Panama agreed to allow warship passage through the canal after Chinese officials accused the U.S. of trying to use blackmail to further its interests.

Hegseth said that the two nations had signed a memorandum of understanding to allow U.S. warships to pass through the canal without paying a toll. The agreement for security cooperation also includes auxiliary vessels.

When asked about the accusation, Hegseth fired back at China.

“I don’t know anything about blackmail,” he responded, “but I do know about strength, peace through strength, and deterrence.”

On Wednesday a Chinese official had more fiery rhetoric against the U.S. as a trade war escalated between President Donald Trump and the communist-governed nation.

“Everyone knows who wants to control the Panama Canal,” said ministry spokesperson Lin Jian to reporters. “The U.S. side should take a look in the mirror to see who really threatens the sovereignty, security, and development of other countries.” (Read more from “Pete Hegseth Says Panama Accepted Agreement on Warship Canal Passage After China Accused the U.S. of ‘Blackmail’” HERE)

Pete Hegseth Heads to Panama as Trump Demands U.S. Reclaim Control of Canal

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In a bold move signaling America’s renewed strength on the global stage, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is set to visit Panama as President Donald Trump declares the U.S. is “reclaiming” control over the Panama Canal. With the Trump administration focused on asserting American influence and safeguarding vital national interests, this trip marks a significant step in strengthening ties with Panama and reinforcing the strategic importance of the canal to U.S. trade and security. As the president takes decisive action on the world stage, Hegseth’s visit underscores a broader push to reclaim America’s leadership role in global affairs.

Hegseth is traveling to Panama City, Panama, next week to participate in the 2025 Central American Security Conference, where he will meet with the country’s president, Jose Raul Mulino, and attend a meeting of regional chiefs of defense. He will also travel to Eglin AFB to visit service members and command leadership at the 7th Special Forces Group. The trip is part of Trump’s efforts to regain control of the key strategic and military resources.

Chief spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth will participate in discussions that “drive ongoing efforts to strengthen the U.S.’s partnerships with Panama and other Central American nations toward our shared vision for a peaceful and secure Western Hemisphere.”

During his March address to Congress, Trump said he would reclaim the Panama Canal as part of his administration’s plans to enhance the United States’s national security, adding that they’ve “already started doing it.”

In December, Trump voiced his frustration over the fees Panama imposes on the U.S. for using the Panama Canal. In a Truth Social post, the president said, “The fees Panama charges are outrageous, especially considering the immense generosity the U.S. has shown to Panama. This blatant ‘rip-off’ of our country will come to an end immediately.” (Read more from “Pete Hegseth Heads to Panama as Trump Demands U.S. Reclaim Control of Canal” HERE)

Photo credit: Flickr

Archaeologists Uncover 1,200-Year-Old Gold-Laden Lord’s Tomb (VIDEO)

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Archaeologists working in Panama uncovered a 1,200-year-old gold-laden tomb in 2024 that is believed to belong to a pre-Hispanic member of royalty.

The tomb was found in the El Caño archaeological park in the Coclé province, Panama, and is believed to be the burial grounds of of an “important Coclé lord,” according to a press release from Panama’s Ministry of Culture. It’s believed the individual lived in the late 750s to the early 800s A.D., and was extremely wealthy and well-to-do given the absolute hoard of goodies he was buried with.

A majority of the items found with this fancy man are ceramics, but there was also a lot of jewelry and gold. “2 belts of spherical gold beads, 4 bracelets, 2 earrings in the shape of human figures (male and female), [and] an earring in the shape of a double crocodile” are among the discoveries, the press release stated. Another five earrings made from sperm whale teeth with gold covers were uncovered, along with a set of gold plates, bells, bracelets and bone flutes are just some of the additional historical and cultural artifacts from the site.

(Read more from “Archaeologists Uncover 1,200-Year-Old Gold-Laden Lord’s Tomb” HERE)

Photo credit: Flickr