China’s Warning to Panama Over Taiwan Relations
China has allegedly issued a stern warning to Panama, threatening “serious consequences” after a significant number of the country’s lawmakers supported forming a parliamentary exchange group with Taiwan.
This newly established exchange group has sparked a diplomatic spat between Beijing and Panamanian legislators, just a few years after Panama shifted its diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China. According to a report, which cites Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has sought to distance his administration from the lawmakers’ initiative as Beijing seeks to reaffirm Panama’s adherence to the one-China policy.
In a statement, a senior U.S. official expressed approval of Panama’s actions, viewing them as a move to assert its sovereignty and echoing a stance against China’s increasing influence in the region. The official emphasized that any manipulation of the Panama Canal by China is unacceptable and compromises the security of the U.S. and its interests.
In conflict scenarios, like a hypothetical World War III, the U.S. Navy would view the Panama Canal as an invaluable resource for swiftly deploying combat vessels to the Pacific.
This situation highlights the ongoing pressure from Beijing in an area Washington sees as crucial. A defense strategy articulated during the Trump administration warned of the risks posed by growing adversarial forces around the Panama Canal, suggesting that it might undermine U.S. access to vital territories in the Western Hemisphere, as noted by the Department of War.
China has reportedly invested significantly in Panama over the years, focusing on infrastructure and economic projects, including developments in ports and telecommunications. The warning regarding the creation of the Taiwan parliamentary group is seen as another aspect of the broader competition for influence between China and the U.S. in a nation that controls one of the key waterways in the Western Hemisphere.
The U.S. is determined to maintain its preeminent position in the region to protect its security and ensure access to critical infrastructure, as highlighted by U.S. officials. They underscored that aid and alliances must reflect a commitment to reducing external adversarial influence.
During a press briefing, Guo reiterated China’s stance on Taiwan, declaring it as an inseparable part of China. He cautioned that any breach regarding Taiwan would result in serious repercussions. The Panamanian embassy in Washington did not reply to requests for comments on the matter.
A spokesperson from the Chinese embassy reiterated their position, emphasizing that Panama’s commitment to the one-China principle is non-negotiable and that any formal interaction with Taiwan would violate this longstanding commitment. They warned that there would be repercussions for those who disregard the terms concerning Taiwan.
The Panama Canal serves as a significant commercial and military route for the U.S., with a considerable portion of freight transported to American ports. The canal’s strategic relevance continues to drive U.S. policy aimed at keeping Chinese influence at bay.
Recent accusations from Beijing suggest that the U.S. is meddling in China-Panama relations, particularly after U.S. lawmakers participated in the launch of the new exchange group via video conference. Beijing has urged the U.S. to refrain from actions that could disrupt relations between China and Panama.
The group was formally launched on September 8, gathering signatures from 45 out of 71 lawmakers in the National Assembly. Some legislators expressed support but did not sign the document before its circulation concluded, as reported by outlet sources. Taiwan claimed that this group represents over 60% of Panama’s legislature, highlighting significant political backing for the initiative.
In light of the existing diplomatic ties, Panama had officially severed relations with Taiwan and recognized the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China back in June 2017, pledging no official relations with Taiwan, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Lawmakers advocating for the new group assert that it does not breach those commitments because it focuses on commercial and unofficial exchanges. Despite the diplomatic split, Panama and Taiwan also retain economic connections, evidenced by a free-trade agreement still in effect since January 2004 and substantial trade transactions that occurred over the previous financial year.
