Part 6/8:

The importance of the Panama Canal cannot be understated when considering military logistics. Should tensions escalate between China and the United States, the Chinese could effectively isolate the two oceans, limiting U.S. naval forces to operate independently without connectivity. Without access through the canal, ships would be forced to navigate around South America via the Cape of Good Hope—an arduous and time-consuming alternative.

Chang further elaborated on the potential threats, noting that in the event of a conflict, the Chinese could utilize the infrastructure they control to block or even incapacitate the canal. This foresight opens up the conversation on how the U.S. can effectively counteract these moves and secure its interests in Latin America and the Caribbean.