The Chinese government is accusing the U.S. of “blackmail” after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared Beijing a threat to the Panama Canal, asserting that Washington along with Panama “will take back” the waterway from Chinese influence.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said Hegseth had “maliciously attacked China” with his comments and was sabotaging China-Panama cooperation.

“Everyone knows who wants to control the Panama Canal,” ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters. “The U.S. side should take a look in the mirror to see who really threatens the sovereignty, security, and development of other countries.”

Lin also accused the U.S. of “spreading rumors and sowing discord,” calling on Washington to “stop deliberately linking China to the canal issue to find excuses for the U.S.’s desire to control the Canal.”