Part 2/6:
Congressman Jimenez shed light on the "greasing of the palms" by the Chinese government, which has been actively working to influence Panamanian officials. He articulated the concern that China is quietly, yet significantly, taking control of the Panama Canal—a crucial maritime route that complements U.S. national security interests. Jimenez emphasized the canal's strategic importance by recalling its historical role during World War II, where the Japanese envisioned sabotaging the canal to disrupt American military operations.