Senator Ted Cruz sounded the alarm on Tuesday over China’s growing control over the Panama Canal, warning that it poses significant risks to US national security. Speaking at a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing, Cruz said that CCP interests have taken a “militaristic” turn in the region, particularly concerning the canal, a vital global shipping route.
Recently, former President Donald Trump raised two major concerns, which Cruz also pointed out. First, the danger of China blocking the canal passage and, second, the high cost of transit, especially for US businesses. He pointed out that Chinese companies control container ports at both ends of the canal and are constructing a bridge across it, a project that has been progressing at a slow pace, potentially giving China the ability to block the canal without warning.
“This situation poses acute risks to US national security,” Cruz asserted, adding that US cargo represents nearly 75% of canal traffic, with US Navy vessels paying additional fees.
China Is CLOSING IN on the Panama Canal
Sen. @tedcruz, R-Texas, explains how China poses a serious risk to national security if the U.S. does not control of the Panama Canal. pic.twitter.com/sXGIeIJLXt
— The Daily Signal (@DailySignal) January 28, 2025
Comments from Cruz come amidst increasing concern regarding the increased Chinese presence in Panama. Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Louis Sola testified that Chinese companies have expanded their operations in Panama since 2015, including securing no-bid development contracts related to the canal. Most of these companies are state-owned, and some of them are connected with the Chinese military, thereby further increasing security concerns.
The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, dismissed allegations of foreign interference, stating that the country manages the canal itself. Cruz is, however adamant that China’s influence in the region needs to be addressed before US interests can be protected.
