Panamanians hit streets, burn US flags to protest against Pete Hegseth's vow to ‘Take Back’ Panama Canal: See photos

Panama Canal visit of Pete Hegseth sparked protests as he said China-based companies were controlling land and major infrastructure in strategic sectors.

Updated on: Apr 09, 2025 11:46 PM IST

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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared on Tuesday that the US will take back Panama from Chinese influence. Meanwhile, a demonstrator held a Panamanian flag during a protest against Hegseth's visit to Panama on April 8, 2025. REUTERS/Maria Fernanda Gonzalez (REUTERS)

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A poster with images of Pete Hegseth, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino was set ablaze during a protest against Hegseth, (REUTERS)

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Demonstrators raised slogans against Pete Hegseth abd Trump during his visit to Panama, in Panama City. REUTERS/Maria Fernanda Gonzalez (REUTERS)

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A demonstrator took a man away from a confrontation with police officers during a protest against Pete Hegseth's visit to Panama. REUTERS/Maria Fernanda Gonzalez (REUTERS)

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A demonstrator stood over a burning poster with images of Hegseth, Trump, and Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino, during a protest against Hegseth's visit to Panama. REUTERS/Maria Fernanda Gonzalez (REUTERS)

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Hegseth attended the Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC25), organized by Panama and the US Southern Command, in Panama City. He arrived in Panama for the regional security summit and to reinforce the Trump administration's continued interest over the canal. (Photo by Franco BRANA / AFP) (AFP)

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Pete Hegseth shook hands with Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino, in Panama City, Panama April 9, 2025. REUTERS/Aris Martinez (REUTERS)

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Meanwhile, Hegseth's words against China elicited a strong response from the Chinese government, which stated: "Who represents the real threat to the Canal? People will make their own judgement.” (REUTERS)

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Pete Hegseth, center, walked with Panama Canal Authority Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez during a tour of the Panama Canal's Miraflores Locks in Panama City, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) (AP)

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Protesters went to the streets of Panama City in retaliation to Hegseth's statement, calling Mulino a traitor for meeting with Trump officials. (REUTERS)

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Demonstrators helda banner reading 'Southern Command out of Panama' during a protest against Hegseth, during his visit to Panama, in Panama City, Panama April 8, 2025. REUTERS/Maria Fernanda Gonzalez (REUTERS)

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Pete Hegseth held talks with Panama Canal Authority Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez during a tour of the Miraflores locks, in Panama City, Panama April 8, 2025. REUTERS/Aris Martinez (REUTERS)

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Panama Canal Authority Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez, left, Pete Hegseth, center, and Southcom Commander Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey posed for a photo during a tour of the Panama Canal's Miraflores Locks, in Panama City, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) (AP)

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Pete Hegseth (L) visited the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal accompanied by Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez (C) in Panama City on April 8, 2025. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP) (AFP)

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U.S. military took part in a joint drill with Panamanian troops at the Panama Canal during the visit of Pete Hegseth to the Port of Rodman in West Panama, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) (AP)

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Demonstrators burnt a US flag next to riot police during a protest against the visit of Hegseth in Panama City, on April 8, 2025. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP) (AFP)