Erik Prince, a seasoned veteran and founder of Unplugged Technologies, recently discussed the implications of Chinese involvement in the Panama Canal during an interview on Breitbart News Saturday. He expressed concerns, calling it a “national security problem” for the United States. Prince detailed how China has effectively taken over the management of this crucial waterway, which was originally constructed by the United States over a century ago. He attributed the relinquishment of control to decisions made by former President Jimmy Carter in the late 1970s.
Prince highlighted the strategic importance of the Panama Canal, emphasizing that it is vital for the U.S. Navy to have unhindered access between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This access reduces transit time significantly compared to the alternative route around the southern tip of Chile. He argued that the U.S. must maintain security oversight of the canal to prevent any potential conflicts from impacting naval operations.
Allowing China to manage the canal, according to Prince, is unacceptable. He elaborated on how this situation affects U.S. interests beyond just military strategy, linking it to the ongoing fentanyl crisis in America. Prince mentioned that Chinese influence and operations have played a significant role in the proliferation of fentanyl, a potent and deadly drug contributing to a staggering number of American deaths each year.
Prince provided alarming statistics, comparing the annual fatalities from fentanyl overdoses to the total American casualties in World War II. He estimated that the real number of deaths from fentanyl could be between 300,000 and 400,000 annually, far surpassing the official figure of 110,000. This analogy underscored the severity of the crisis and the need for urgent action.
Fentanyl, Prince explained, is a highly potent drug often mixed with other narcotics, making it more dangerous. He asserted that the production and distribution of fentanyl are largely orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party. This involves sending precursor chemicals to countries like Venezuela and Mexico, where the drug is manufactured and then smuggled into the United States.
The conversation also touched upon the broader implications of Chinese influence in Latin America, particularly regarding the trafficking of illegal substances. Prince highlighted the need for the U.S. to counteract this form of subversion, which poses a direct threat to American lives.
The program, Breitbart News Saturday, airs on SiriusXM Patriot 125, providing a platform for such discussions. Prince’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about U.S. foreign policy and national security, emphasizing the need for vigilance in protecting American interests both domestically and internationally.