China expert Gordon Chang warned on Newsmax on Monday that China's strategic influence over the Panama Canal poses a potential risk to global maritime trade and U.S. naval operations.
Chang, a prominent journalist, cautioned Monday during a "Rob Schmitt Tonight" appearance that China can shut down the Panama Canal if it chooses. The canal, a critical maritime artery, is increasingly under Beijing's influence, raising concerns about its strategic implications for the United States and global trade.
President-elect Donald Trump recently claimed that the canal is a "vital national asset" for the U.S. and threatened to reassert control over it.
"Well, he's certainly right," Chang said when asked about Trump's warning that China seeks to control the waterway. "China's port facilities are at both ends of the canal. And when Gen. Laura Richardson took a helicopter ride over the Canal Zone, this was the middle of 2022; she said she 'looked down and saw all of these dual-use facilities.'"
Chang further cited Evan Ellis, a leading expert on Latin America, who stated that "the Chinese could shut down the canal if it wanted to."
He explained that China's infrastructure development in the area, including bridges, could be used to disrupt the canal's operations during a conflict.
"If you build a bridge over the canal, you can take a bridge down over the canal, block the waterway. And that's what I think the Chinese are up to with this new infrastructure project of theirs because, at a time of war, they could make the canal totally useless," Chang said.
The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is vital for global trade and U.S. naval strategy.
Chang emphasized its importance by noting, "They say that we have a two-ocean Navy. Well, we would have two separate navies. It'd be very difficult to get ships from the Atlantic to the Pacific, or vice versa." Without the canal, naval vessels would face extended routes around South America, increasing operational challenges.
Chang also highlighted China's broader influence in Latin America, pointing to Beijing's dominance in trade relationships and its growing presence in infrastructure development.
"China is the largest trade partner of Latin America without Mexico," Chang said. "And if you go from government to government in South America, especially, you find China being there, and we are not."
He noted that this influence was prominently displayed at the APEC meeting in Peru, where Chinese President Xi Jinping received significant attention, while U.S. President Joe Biden faced setbacks.
"It shows you how influential China is in what we call our own backyard," Chang remarked.
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China has always supported the people of Panama in their struggle for sovereignty over the Canal.
About NEWSMAX TV:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!
- Find Newsmax channel in your home via cable and satellite systems – More Info Here
- Watch Newsmax+ on your home TV app or smartphone and watch it anywhere! Try it for FREE – See More Here: NewsmaxPlus.com
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.