A delegation of at least nine Panama legislators is proceeding with a trip to Taiwan, a move that has sparked a significant public dispute with President Jose Raul Mulino. The planned visit occurs against the backdrop of Panama’s official diplomatic recognition of China, creating a delicate situation for the Central American nation. Mulino has explicitly stated his government does not support the legislators’ initiative.
The president used his official social media account to distance his administration from the travel plans last week. He issued a clear warning regarding any such diplomatic gestures toward Taiwan. This public declaration underscores the ongoing tension between the executive and legislative branches over foreign policy direction.
“In light of reports of potential travel by officials of the Legislative Branch to Taiwan, such trips do not have the support or approval of my Government,” President Jose Raul Mulino stated. [Translated from Spanish]
Panama fundamentally shifted its foreign policy on June 12, 2017. Then-President Juan Carlos Varela announced the termination of diplomatic relations with Taiwan and the immediate establishment of formal ties with the People’s Republic of China. This alignment with Beijing, which adheres to a strict One-China policy, makes the legislators’ planned visit diplomatically sensitive.
Composition of the Delegation and Stated Goals
The delegation includes members from multiple political parties. Betserai Richards and Ernesto Cedeño from the Seguimos bloc confirmed their participation. Other participants are Eduardo Gaitan and Jonathan Vega from the Vamos coalition, Edwin Vergara from the Panamenista Party, Eduardo Vasquez and Manuel Cohen from Democratic Change, and Ronald De Gracia from Realizando Metas. Yamireliz Chong, also from Vamos, rounds out the group known to be attending.
Several deputies have issued public statements explaining their reasons for the trip. Eduardo Gaitan, who represents San Miguelito and chairs the influential Economics and Finance Committee in the National Assembly of Panama, confirmed the official visit will take place from November 21 to November 30.
“During this trip we will explore commercial, cooperation, and investment opportunities that can benefit the country and our district of San Miguelito,” Gaitan asserted. [Translated from Spanish]
He emphasized that the agenda would include exchanges linked to the maritime sector, a strategic economic pillar for Panama. Gaitan coordinates the Subcommittee for the Study of Panama’s Maritime Strategy, and he framed the trip as technical work for that body.
Financing and Legislative Work Assurances
A key point in the deputies’ defense of the trip is its funding source. Gaitan and others have been keen to note that the journey will not burden Panamanian taxpayers. The deputy explicitly stated that Taiwan would cover all expenses related to the visit. He also guaranteed that his legislative and community work would continue uninterrupted during his absence.
His office team and the Economics and Finance Committee will maintain their scheduled agenda. This includes organizing two important forums on investment grade and national maritime strategy. Gaitan promised a full report upon the delegation’s return, detailing meeting outcomes and any progress achieved for the country’s benefit.
Jonathan Vega, representing the Chiriqui circuit, provided his own rationale for joining the mission. He said the central purpose is to identify initiatives that could spur economic and social development for Panama. Vega expressed a particular interest in projects that would directly benefit his local communities.
“Especially those that can directly benefit the communities of our circuit [Chiriqui],” Vega confirmed in a statement. [Translated from Spanish]
He highlighted the microprocessing industry as a key point of interest for the delegation. Vega believes this sector holds high potential for technology transfer, specialized job creation, and new cooperation opportunities. The group plans to evaluate cooperation mechanisms, technical exchanges, and potential investments with the goal of securing concrete benefits for Panama. Echoing Gaitan, Vega also stressed that public funds would not be used for travel, viáticos, or any other costs, with Taiwan covering all expenses through its international cooperation programs.
Navigating a Diplomatic Tightrope
This legislative initiative tests the boundaries of Panama’s foreign policy. The president’s swift and public disavowal makes the government’s position unequivocal. It reaffirms Panama’s commitment to its diplomatic partnership with Beijing. The legislators are now walking a fine line, pursuing what they label a technical and commercial mission to a territory their own government does not recognize.
The situation highlights the complex interplay between different branches of government in shaping international relations. The executive branch holds the formal power to conduct foreign policy. Legislative bodies, however, often engage in international parliamentary diplomacy and fact-finding missions that can influence those policies. The focus on the maritime sector is particularly noteworthy given the global importance of the Panama Canal.
How China responds to this visit will be closely watched by diplomatic observers. Beijing typically reacts strongly to any official interactions between foreign politicians and Taiwanese authorities. It views such exchanges as violations of the One-China principle. The Panamanian government will likely be eager to reassure Chinese officials that the trip does not reflect a change in its official stance. The legislators involved are betting that the potential economic and technological benefits outweigh the diplomatic friction their journey will inevitably cause.