Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal rebuke to the Chinese embassy on Wednesday, rejecting what it calls interference in the country’s domestic politics. The diplomatic confrontation follows a demand from Chinese diplomats that ten Panamanian lawmakers cancel an upcoming official trip to Taiwan. This dispute tests the bilateral relationship seven years after Panama switched its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing.
The government statement described the Chinese embassy’s actions as an unacceptable attempt to influence Panama’s political decisions. Officials emphasized that conducting foreign policy remains the exclusive power of the executive branch under President José Raúl Mulino. The strongly worded communique represents Panama’s most direct challenge to Chinese diplomatic pressure since establishing ties in 2017.
Sovereignty and Diplomatic Protocol
Panama’s Foreign Ministry, led by Minister Javier Martínez Acha, articulated its position with notable clarity. The government asserts its status as a sovereign state that cannot accept conditions or pressures aimed at influencing legitimate decisions by its authorities, including the National Assembly. This reference to the legislative branch underscores Panama’s commitment to its democratic separation of powers, even when the executive branch disagrees with parliamentary decisions.
“Panama, as a sovereign state, does not accept conditions or pressures that seek to influence the legitimate decisions of its authorities including the National Assembly, within the framework of the separation of powers that governs our democratic system, even when those decisions are not shared by the National Government,” [Translated from Spanish]
The diplomatic note further reminded China that Panama expects reciprocal respect for its institutions according to established international agreements. Officials specifically referenced the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which outlines proper conduct between nations. Panama committed to continuing international relations based on sovereignty, mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs.
Chinese Embassy’s Position and Lawmaker Response
Chinese diplomats had articulated their concerns one day earlier in response to media inquiries. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy characterized the planned visit as a serious violation of the One-China policy. They emphasized this would mark the first official contact between Panamanian officials and Taiwan since diplomatic relations resumed between Panama and China. The embassy considers any such interaction an intervention in China’s internal affairs.
Several lawmakers confirmed receiving direct messages, allegedly from Chinese Ambassador Xu Xueyuan, through WhatsApp. These communications urged legislators to abandon their planned Sunday departure for Taipei. The message reportedly reminded politicians that the One-China principle enjoys United Nations recognition and warned the trip could negatively impact Panama’s international image and bilateral relations. Panama currently holds a seat on the UN Security Council, adding significance to the Chinese warning.
The group of legislators planning the visit includes Eduardo Vásquez, first vice president of the Assembly from the Democratic Change party. He joins colleagues from multiple parties including Ernesto Cedeño of the Other Path Movement, Edwin Vergara of the Panameñista Party, and independents Betserai Richards and Jhonathan Vega. Their planned departure this Sunday comes at the invitation of the Taiwanese government.
Executive and Legislative Branch Divergence
President José Raúl Mulino had already distanced his administration from the parliamentary initiative before the diplomatic dispute escalated. Using his official X account (formerly Twitter) on November 13, Mulino stated clearly that such travels “do not have the support or approval of my government.” This public declaration created unusual public distance between Panama’s executive and legislative branches on a matter of international significance.
The Government of Panama now faces competing pressures. It must maintain its crucial relationship with China, one of its most important trading partners, while defending national sovereignty against perceived diplomatic overreach. Meanwhile, legislators appear determined to exercise their parliamentary independence despite objections from both the presidency and a major international partner.
This incident reveals the complex balancing act Panama navigates in its international relationships. The country benefits significantly from Chinese investment and trade while valuing its political autonomy. How this diplomatic disagreement resolves could set important precedents for how Panama manages its relationships with global powers moving forward. Both Chinese diplomats and Panamanian legislators appear to be watching closely how the Mulino administration handles this challenge to its authority and international commitments.