China Pressures Panama Over Taiwan Ties

Clear Facts

• Panamanian lawmakers formed a parliamentary exchange group with Taiwan
• Beijing threatened Panama with “serious consequences” over the new group
• Panama cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2017 to align with China

China is flexing its diplomatic muscle in America’s backyard, issuing blunt warnings to Panama after Panamanian lawmakers formed an exchange group with Taiwan. The move signals growing friction between Beijing and nations that once recognized Taipei.

Less than a decade after Panama switched recognition from Taiwan to China, the new parliamentary group has reopened old wounds. Lawmakers in Panama City are standing firm against pressure from Beijing.

“Serious consequences” were reportedly threatened by Chinese officials if the exchange group proceeds. The warning underscores China’s intolerance for any formal ties between Taiwan and nations that have shifted allegiance to Beijing.

Panama’s lawmakers appear unwilling to back down despite the strong language from China. The parliamentary exchange group is viewed by many as a modest step toward re-establishing informal contacts with Taiwan.

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