Sen. Teed Cruz warns of national security risks as Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares for his first international trip to Panama.

China’s growing influence over the Panama Canal has sparked serious concerns about U.S. national security, according to Senator Ted Cruz. Speaking during a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Cruz cautioned that the Chinese Communist Party has shown a “militaristic interest” in the strategic waterway, which serves as a vital passage for global shipping.

These warnings coincide with newly sworn-in Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit to Panama, marking his first international trip as the nation’s top diplomat.

Rubio is expected to address growing apprehensions over China’s role in the region during his talks with Panamanian officials.

The issue also featured prominently in President Donald Trump’s inauguration speech, where he accused China of “operating the Panama Canal” and asserted that the United States would “take it back.”

However, Panama has denied claims of undue Chinese influence over the canal, emphasizing that it maintains full control over the operation of the vital shipping lane.

On Capitol Hill, Cruz underscored the significance of the canal to U.S. interests and linked its security to broader concerns about China’s expanding footprint in the Western Hemisphere.

With Rubio’s visit to Panama on the horizon, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on U.S. efforts to counterbalance China’s influence and reinforce American strategic priorities in the region.

As these geopolitical tensions unfold, the Panama Canal has emerged as a critical focal point in the evolving relationship between the United States, China, and Latin America.