Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the attendees of the 2025 Central American Security Conference in Panama City. Speaking to a gathering of ministers, defense chiefs, and United States troops, Secretary Hegseth outlined the United States' commitment to security cooperation in the Central American region.
"Our mission is simple: achieve peace through strength through an America first approach," Hegseth declared, emphasizing partnership with regional allies.
Hegseth highlighted several key areas of focus, including U.S. efforts to secure borders and combat transnational crime. "Border security in every country in this region is a shared challenge and must be a shared priority for all of us," he stated. He also noted that President Trump's administration has classified transnational cartels and gangs as terrorist organizations.
The remarks also touched on challenges posed by China's influence in the region. "We do not seek war with China, and war with China is certainly not inevitable," said Hegseth, citing concerns over China's strategic land and infrastructure control. He reaffirmed the U.S. position on the Panama Canal's security: "President Trump has made it clear that the Panama Canal and the canal areas cannot and will not be controlled by China."
Hegseth concluded with a call for continued cooperation among the countries present, saying, "We want, in short, to also make the Americas great again."
The conference marks the first time a U.S. Secretary of Defense has attended the event in Panama in over two decades, signaling renewed focus on the region under President Trump's administration.