Diplomatic tension: China warns Panama over legislative approaches with Taiwan
The diplomatic relationship between China and Panama is going through a moment of high tension. The Beijing government has increased its pressure following the recent creation of a parliamentary exchange group between Panamanian deputies and representatives of Taiwan, an action that Chinese authorities describe as a direct violation of the “one China” principle.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun was emphatic in warning that these types of initiatives represent a red line that, if crossed, could bring serious consequences for the stability of bilateral ties. Beijing demands that Panama honor the commitments made since 2017, the year the Central American country broke official ties with Taipei to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
The origin of the parliamentary controversy
The diplomatic conflict erupted following the formalization, on September 8th, of a friendship group in the National Assembly of Panama intended to foster dialogue with the Legislative Yuan of Taiwan. Although the Panamanian legislators involved assert that the objective is merely commercial and for parliamentary exchange—and not an official diplomatic recognition—for China, any contact of this nature constitutes an unacceptable interference in its internal affairs.
The parliamentary initiative gravely violates the one-China principle recognized by Panama, which constitutes the fundamental political basis upon which our bilateral relations rest.
Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign AffairsThe stance of the José Raúl Mulino government
Faced with growing international pressure, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has distanced himself from the actions taken by the deputies. The Executive branch has been clear in recalling that the conduct of foreign policy is an exclusive competence of the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disassociating itself from the parallel agenda promoted by the National Assembly.
- The Panamanian government ratified its respect for the “one-China” principle.
- Beijing has taken note of the Executive’s clarification, but demands concrete actions to curb these legislative activities.
- The controversy highlights the internal friction between the powers of the Panamanian State regarding the limits of parliamentary diplomacy.
China took the opportunity to extend an additional warning to the United States, requesting that Washington cease sending signals of support to sectors that promote Taiwan’s independence, after the participation of U.S. representatives in the aforementioned virtual meeting with the Panamanian deputies was reported.
The current scenario underscores the sensitivity of Taiwan in the geopolitical agenda of Latin America, where Beijing continues to closely monitor any movement that could be interpreted as a challenge to its sovereignty and the diplomatic foundations established with its regional partners.
