US Secretary of Defense: China’s military presence in the West Hemisphere is too big

Hegest said at a regional security conference that Chinese companies are controlling land and vital infrastructure in strategic sectors. “China’s military presence in the West Hemisphere is too big,” he said. “Do not doubt that Beijing is unjustly investing and investing in the region for military advantage and economic benefits.”

Hegest urged regional governments to cooperate to confront China and threats from international drug cartels and extensive immigration.

The remarks came a day after the US Secretary of Defense meeting with President Panama and visiting the Panama Channel. At the meeting, the two countries agreed to increase security coordination.

The trip came as tensions over repeated claims by US President Donald Trump about the US “over -paying” to the Panama Canal and China’s influence on its activity have increased.

The Chinese Embassy in Panama, after a visit to Hegst, accused the US government of using blackmail to advance its interests, insisting that the United States was not allowed to interfere with Panama’s decisions to choose its business partners.

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