The US government has announced it will replace Huawei telecoms equipment installed at 13 sites across Panama, in a move it says is aimed at countering China’s influence in the Americas.

Approximately US$8 million will be invested in the project, which will be carried out in partnership with Panama’s Ministry of Public Security. The initiative is expected to be completed within two years and will include the installation of seven new towers across four provinces – resulting in significantly improved coverage, according to the US government, and strengthening shared security between the US and Panama.

The US government also stated that the project will support Panamanian security forces in efforts to combat drug and arms trafficking, human smuggling, and other forms of organised crime.

It added that it is working to safeguard the national security of countries across the Western Hemisphere and described the Chinese Communist Party as a threat.